Latest discussions on new cadmium limits
14 February 2012
The Commission's latest proposed changes to the maximum permitted levels of cadmium in a wide range of foods were discussed in an expert working group meeting last month. It is expected that levels will be set as described in a Commission update that was circulated by the FSA in November 2011, available here.
The proposals include the following reductions in the maximum levels of cadmium permitted in fish:
from 0.10 mg/kg to 0.05mg/kg:
- bonito (Sarda sarda)
- common two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris)
- eel (Anguilla anguilla)
- grey mullet (Mugil labrosus labrosus)
- horse mackerel or scad (Trachurus trachurus)
- louvar or luvar (Luvarus imperialis)
- sardinops (Sardinops species)
- wedge sole (Dicologlossa cuneata)
from 0.20mg/kg to 0.15mg/kg:
- bullet tuna (Auxis species)
from 0.3mg/kg to 0.25mg/kg:
- swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
- anchovy (Engraulis speces)
There is a proposed increase in the maximum permitted level from 0.1mg/kg to 0.25mg/kg for:
- sardine (Sardina pilchardus)
The following species have a proposed maximum permitted level of 0.1mg/kg:
- mackerel (Scomber species) (unchanged)
- tuna (Thunnus species, Euthynnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis) (unchanged)
- bichique (Sicyopterus lagocephalus) (a new entry)
The proposed levels are expected to be approved by member states at a forthcoming SCOFCAH meeting.