Pesticides residue levels strongly depend on the processing of food prior to consumption. This effect can be accounted for by integrating processing factors in the exposure assessments. Therefore, EFSA initiated in 2016, together with a consortium led by BfR, a pilot project compiling processing factors at EU level. This project resulted in the delivery of the first EU database of processing factors in 2018, supported by a compendium of representative processing techniques and a mapping of processed commodities to the FoodEx2 classification system. However, the number of processing factors available in the database is still very limited.
Last February 2022 was published by the EC the document “Information note on Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as regards processing factors, processed and composite food and feed” SANTE/10704/2021. This document is an evolving document and will be updated to take account of the experience of the competent authorities or any new information that may become available. In the first step, this document mainly focuses on processing factors(Pf) and processed food and feed. More detailed guidance as regards composite food and feed can be developed at a later stage, if needed”. The intention is to provide guidance to Member States (including Official Control Laboratories) on how to implement Article 20 provisions of Regulation (EC) 396/2005 in a harmonised way. This document also provides indications for FBOs (food business operators), including importers from third countries, to prepare themselves and have the necessary information at hand if national authorities request further documentation during their official controls.
The guide contains information among others about the general principles for implementation by Member States concerning calculations, types of processing factors, use of available data sources for processing factors, relevant issues for consideration when assessing compliance with MRLs for processed/composite food and feed and the application of processing factors to MRLs. Moreover, it provides practical information on the use of the processing factors for the assessment of analytical results, and the minimum requirements for data received from a FBO and some calculation examples.
Our laboratories can support you to know more about the processing factors and the maximum residue levels (MRL). Mérieux NutriSciences provides a wide range of services (including testing) to food manufacturers for pesticide residue quantification guaranteeing them to meet regulations and quality standards. Our laboratories are ISO17025 accredited.
(*) Discover our complete Scopes of ISO17025 accreditations: Italy and Germany
References
- Information note on Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as regards processing factors, processed and composite food and feed
- Database of processing techniques and processing factors compatible with the EFSA food classification and description system FoodEx 2 Objective 3: European database of processing factors for pesticides in food
- Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC
- Database of processing techniques and processing factors compatible with the EFSA food classification and description system FoodEx 2Objective 1: Compendium of Representative Processing Techniques Investigated in regulatory studies for pesticides
- Database of processing techniques and processing factors compatible with the EFSA food classification and description system FoodEx 2 Objective 3: European database of processing factors for pesticides in food
- European database of processing factors for pesticides in food