CONTAMINANTS - Standing Committee on Foodstuffs - Dioxins and aflatoxins

Discussion on a working document for a draft Commission Regulation setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

The Committee was informed that the Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) has finalised on 30 May 2001 its updated opinion on « the risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food » based on new scientific information available since the adoption of the SCF opinion of 22nd November 2000. It was indicated that the updated opinion would become available within very short notice. The outcome of the discussions in the Expert Committee held on 9 April, 14 May and 11 June were reported. As a consequence of these discussions following modifications have been included in the working documents:
• the lower maximum levels applicable from 1 January 2006 have been replaced by a review clause
• no maximum levels are proposed for fruits, cereals and vegetables
• low fat containing compound/processed food is exempted from the maximum limit given the low contribution to the intake
• the different food categories have been better defined
• minor amendments to the proposed levels

The modifications were welcomed by Committee. Some delegations stressed the importance of source directed measures to be discussed prior to adoption of measures at food and feed level. Other delegations, while fully recognising the importance of source directed measures, were of the opinion that measures and food and feed are also urgently necessary.

The Commission representative replied that the Commission services are also fully aware of the importance thereof and are intensively working on a Communication addressing these measures. However this should not prevent to take already measures at food and feed level to reduce the presence of dioxins in food and feed. Further discussions were announced on related important issues such as enforcement, monitoring.

The Commission representative informed the Committee that the proposed draft Regulation will be submitted at a next meeting for an intention of vote in view of the notification of the draft measures to WTO and of the transmission to the European Parliament for information.

Discussion on a working document for a draft Commission Recommendation on the reduction of the presence of dioxins in the food chain.

The Commission representative informed the Committee on the main modifications included in the current working documents:
• allowance of some flexibility in the application of the action levels for domestic production
• maintenance of the principle of setting action levels but not yet propose concrete numerical levels for the time being.

An exchange of views has taken place.

(b) Discussion on the establishment of a specific limit for aflatoxins in cereals to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment.

The Commission representative reported on the outcome of the discussions in the Expert Committee meeting on 8 May 2001 on this issue.

It concerns the revision clauses foreseen in Commission Regulation 194/97 of 31 January 1997 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs with regard to:

• the maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin total set for nuts and dried fruit, subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
• the possible establishment of a specific maximum limit for aflatoxins in cereals to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment

On the first item, only data for almonds were submitted. These data indicate clearly that the aflatoxin content in almonds is reduced through sorting, cleaning and other physical treatment. However given the variability of the data, it is difficult to assess the extent of the reduction. Therefore the Expert Committee concluded that it is appropriate to maintain the current maximum limits and to delete the footnote on revision of the maximum limits. It is noted that on the basis of new technological and scientific knowledge and progress, the provisions can be reviewed anyhow at any time.

On the second item (cereals) the expert committee concluded that talking into account that :

• no data were submitted for cereals other than maize
• evidence has been submitted that efforts have been undertaken by the involved professional organisations to provide the data concerning maize
• that the data are insufficient for assessing in a reliable way the extent of reduction that can be realised

The Standing Committee endorsed the conclusions of the Expert Committee and the Commission representative announced that a legislative text will be submitted for opinion at a next meeting of the Standing Committee.