Article réservé aux abonnés
EU Regulation 2023/465 has just been published in the OJEU. It amends and adds maximum levels for inorganic and total arsenic in certain foodstuffs.
Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid found at low concentrations in rocks, soil and natural groundwater. Anthropogenic activity has contributed to increased levels of arsenic in the environment due to industrial emissions (mining, non-ferrous smelting and fossil fuel combustion) and the use of arsenic in fertilizers, wood preservatives, insecticides or herbicides. Food and drinking water are the main routes of exposure to arsenic.
New maximum levels have been introduced for inorganic arsenic in :
Rice flour: 0.25 mg/kg.
Rice-based soft drinks: 0.03 mg/kg.
Infant formulae, follow-on formulae, foodstuffs for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children and infant formulae in powder
