Lower maximum permitted levels for cadmium and lead in various food products

What is cadmium and how does it enter our body?

Cadmium is a heavy, toxic metal found in our environment. It ends up there both naturally and through agricultural and industrial activities. How are we exposed to this toxic substance? Our diet turns out to be the main source of exposure, tobacco aside of course. The carcinogenic substance can be found in, for example, fruit, vegetables, cereals and oilseeds.

EFSA discovered that cadmium mainly ends up in our kidneys, where it accumulates and ultimately causes kidney failure. To avoid these drastic consequences, a maximum tolerable weekly intake of 2.5 µg/kg body weight was already established in 2014. EFSA also found that the average exposure for adults in Europe approaches, or even exceeds, that tolerable intake. According to EFSA, reducing the presence of cadmium in our food had to be both achievable and, above all, urgently necessary.

After assessing the most recent data (2021) on the occurrence of the substance (collected after the risk-mitigating measures were implemented), it turned out to be genuinely possible to lower the existing maximum levels even further, or to set additional maximum levels. As a result, the annex to Regulation 1881/2006 is being amended.

EFSA, or the European Food Safety Authority, is an agency of the European Union. It provides independent advice on food safety.

The measures for cadmium apply from 31 August 2021, as part of the EU cancer plan. The rules will also apply to certain raw materials.

What is lead and why is this substance dangerous?

Lead is also a substance found in our environment and is a natural contaminant. As with cadmium, food is the pathway for human exposure. Baby and toddler food, but also wild mushrooms, spices and salt, can contain lead.

EFSA also made several discoveries regarding this toxic substance. It appears to cause developmental neurotoxicity in young children, and cardiovascular problems and nephrotoxicity in adults.

Research was already carried out around 10 years ago, but at the time there was insufficient information to set threshold values. In the meantime, the Codex Alimentarius has lowered the existing maximum levels (MLs) for a number of food products. This intervention, combined with recent data on the occurrence of the substance in food, means that exposure to lead within Europe will be reduced.

The measures for lead apply from 30 August 2021, as part of the previously mentioned action plan.

Concrete changes

A selection of the concrete changes brought about by these measures:

Chocolate and baby food levels: Regulation (EU) No 488/2014.

additional breakdown of toddler food.

More specific raw materials included.

Would you like an extensive list of the permitted limits for these substances? Be sure to consult the documents below:

• EU Official Journal L 286 of 10 August 2021, p. 1 - Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1317 of 9 August 2021 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of lead in certain food products.
• EU Official Journal L 288 of 11 August 2021, p. 13 - Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1323 of 10 August 2021 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of cadmium in certain food products.

For information: products placed on the market before this regulation came into force may remain on the market until 28/02/2022.

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