These rules will protect EU consumers by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals
The European Commission has approved new rules to protect citizens from chemical substances that can have negative effects on the immune system, the development of fetuses and infants or cholesterol. These rules limit the levels of four environmental chemicals, which are perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in food. They will protect consumers in the EU by reducing their exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou said: “Today we are taking another step to raise the level of food safety in the EU and better protect citizens from harmful chemicals. These new rules demonstrate our commitment to prioritize citizens’ health. Citizens’ health is our constant and unwavering priority.”
The four chemicals in question — perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononenanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) — are also known as “permanent chemicals” because their chemical composition does not allows their decomposition. Member States unanimously backed the new rules, which are based on sound scientific evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The new rules will come into effect on January 1, 2023.
These rules reflect the Commission’s significant commitment, as part of the EU’s Chemicals Sustainability Strategy, to address the presence of PFAS in food by setting limits in food contaminant legislation.
Athena Papakosta
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