European plan to fight cancer: Commission reduces presence of carcinogenic contaminants in food

The Commission is setting new maximum levels for cadmium and lead in a wide range of food products. These measures aim to further reduce the presence of carcinogenic contaminants in food and to make healthy food more accessible. This desire stems from the commitments made within the framework of the European plan to fight cancer. These measures will apply from August 30 for the maximum level of lead and from August 31 for that of cadmium.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “We know that an unhealthy diet increases the risk of cancer. Today's decision aims to put consumers at the forefront by making our food safer and healthier, as we committed to under the European plan to fight cancer. It is also a further step in strengthening the European Union's already high and world-class standards in the EU food chain and providing safer, healthier and more sustainable food to consumers. our citizens. The maximum levels of cadmium, a carcinogenic environmental contaminant, potentially contained in foodstuffs such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and oilseeds, will be made lower for some of these foodstuffs. Certain commodities will also have to fulfill this requirement from the date of entry into force of the new regulation. This measure will enhance the safety of food sold and consumed in the EU and help withdraw food products with the highest cadmium concentrations from the market. In addition, the maximum levels of lead in many food products, including foods intended for infants and young children, will be reduced."

New maximum lead levels will also be established for several foodstuffs such as wild mushrooms, spices and salt. The decisions taken follow years of continuous work by the Commission, member states and the European Food Safety Authority, as well as consultations with food businesses. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal present in the environment, both naturally and as a result of agricultural and industrial activities. The main source of cadmium exposure for non-smokers is food. As lead is also a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment, food is the main source of human exposure to lead.

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