New recommendations for nickel

The European Commission has published recommendation 2024/907 on the monitoring of nickel in foodstuffs.

Nickel is present in foodstuffs and may be of natural or man-made origin. According to the EFSA's 2015 scientific opinion, nickel can have both chronic (risk of miscarriage) and acute (eczematous rash) effects.

The European Commission recommends monitoring the presence of nickel in the following foodstuffs:

• food supplements,
• chocolate, chocolate spreads, nut spreads and cocoa beans,
• Cereal-based products (in particular breakfast cereals, cereal flakes and milled oat products),
• ready-to-eat soups,
• coffee,
• tea,
• vegetables,
• seaweed,
• oilseeds,
• soya-based products (such as tofu and soya-based drinks), pulses,
• nuts,
• fish and other seafood products.

Sampling procedures and analyses must comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EC) No 333/2007.

The data is to be collected in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

A draft text setting maximum levels for nickel in certain foodstuffs is in the process of being approved at European level. These maximum levels will be incorporated into EU regulation 2023/915 on contaminants.

Phytocontrol laboratory can help you test for nickel and other metals in foodstuffs under COFRAC accreditation.

You can consult our COFRAC technical appendix N°1-1904 available in your customer area or on the COFRAC website.

Need technical, regulatory or pricing information? Our customer service is available from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday on +33 188 883 090 or international@phytocontrol.com.

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