Commission sets new reduced limits for nitrites and nitrates as food additives

To ensure that the food on the market in the EU is as safe as possible for consumers and protect them from carcinogenic substances as part of the actions under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission is setting new limits for the use of nitrites and nitrates as food additives. These new significantly reduced limits protect against pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Listeria, Salmonella, Clostridia), as well as reduce the exposure to nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. Based on a stringent scientific assessment by EFSA, the new limits were endorsed unanimously by the member states last spring.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “Our citizens expect the peace of mind that comes with safe food to eat, this has always been a cornerstone of my mandate. Today, by setting new limits for nitrites and nitrates additives in food, we are taking another step in this direction and delivering on another important action under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. I now call on the food industry to swiftly implement these science-based rules, and wherever possible, to reduce them further to protect the health of citizens.”

The new stricter limits take into account the diversity of products and their manufacturing conditions across the EU. They give a clear signal to the industry and smaller producers that it is time to address the challenges posed by the presence of nitrites and nitrates in foods across the EU, and along the whole food chain. Food business operators will now have two years to adapt to these new limits.

For more information, please consult these pages on additives and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

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