Food Safety in 2023

New EU Food Contaminants Commission Regulation

The European Commission has replaced Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 with Regulation (EU) 2023/915 to improve clarity and introduce new amendments while maintaining existing contaminant limits.

Notable changes include:

• A general prohibition on mycotoxins detoxification through chemical treatments for all foods.
• New definitions.
• Modified food categories to better classify plant-based products based on pesticide residue levels regulation.
• Exemptions of some contaminants in some specific products.

PFAS Regulation & Monitoring

PFAS in water: US EPA sets health advisory levels; EU regulates through Directive 2020/2184.
Our Article here.

PFAS in air: How to tackle one of the most complex matrices?
Our article here.

EU regulation: EU bans C9-C14 PFCAs and salts from February 25, 2023, aiming to prevent environmental releases and substitute harmful PFASs.
Our article here.

MOH Risk Assessment

EFSA’s report on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) in food addresses exposure concerns, especially for MOAH, emphasizing research needs. Regulatory developments in EU and Germany outlined.

New TDI BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) in Europe:

• ECHA classifies it as hazardous;
• EU authorizes limited use with restrictions;
• EFSA establishes a new, significantly lower Tolerable Daily Intake.

Proposal of new EU Rules for Animal Welfare

The European Commission proposes major reforms in EU animal welfare rules for transport, introduces new rules for dogs and cats, and responds to the ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiative.

Read the European Commission’s press release here.

Updated EU Food Hygiene Rules for Products of Animal Origin

Check the status of this new initiative here.

Update of the French Regulation on EDs

France updates regulations on endocrine disruptors, requiring manufacturers to inform consumers about their presence in products. Compliance deadline is April 12, 2024, for concentrations exceeding 0.1%.

New FSSC22000 v 6.0

FSSC 22000 Certification V6.0, effective April 1, 2024, aligns with ISO 22003-1:2022, supports SDGs, introduces new scopes, and mandates quality management. New requirements include food waste reduction strategies.

New Restriction on Microplastics

On October 17, 2023, a new EU restriction on microplastics under REACH will limit intentional additions in various products, aiming to reduce environmental release.

New Limits of Nitrites & Nitrates

EU introduces new reduced limits for nitrites and nitrates as food additives to enhance food safety and minimize exposure to carcinogenic substances. Stricter regulations impact various food categories.

New Wine Labeling Regulation

New EU wine labeling rules from December 8, 2023, provide detailed ingredient and nutrition information for consumer transparency.

Read the European Commission article here.

New Labeling Rules for Organic Pet Food

Check the rules here.

Sustainable Use of Pesticides

The EU aims to reduce chemical pesticide use and risk by 50% by 2030. The 2023 progress report reveals a 6% decrease but highlights challenges with hazardous pesticides.

Renewal of Glyphosate in the EU

EU renews glyphosate approval under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011.

Check the regulation here.

New Food Contact Material Policies – Including Amended Regulation on FCM

Check the European Commission’s presentation here.

Amendment of the EU Food Contact Materials Regulation

EU Commission amends Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on food contact materials: new substances added, restrictions updated, and migration limits modified for phthalates-plasticizers.

Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation Update

EU Parliament adopts amended Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with bans on PFAS and BPA, and reduced reuse targets.

Check the Food Packaging Forum’s article here.