The European Commission is proposing to revise the maximum levels of cadmium permitted in various foodstuffs, including fresh produce.
The changes proposed are:
Stem vegetables, root and tuber vegetables excluding celery (Apium graveolens). For potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes: reduce to 0.075 mg/kg (wet weight).
Leaf vegetables (excluding spinach), leafy brassica: reduction to 0.15 mg/kg (wet weight). Spinach will remain at current maximum level.
No change is proposed to the current maximum levels for:
Spinach, celery, fresh herbs and some fungi (Agaricus bisporus – common mushroom; Pleurotus ostreatus – Oyster mushroom; Lentinula edodes – Shiitake mushrooms): 0.20 mg/kg (wet weight).
Vegetables and fruit, excluding leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, leaf brassicas, fungi, stem vegetables, root and tuber vegetables and seaweed: 0.050 mg/kg (wet weight).
Other fungi: 1.0 mg/kg (wet weight).
The Food Standards Agency is seeking views from the industry on the potential impact of the European Commission’s proposals. If you have any feedback for us to respond to the FSA please contact sian@freshproduce.org.uk by 19 August.
