Neue EU-weite Höchstgehalte für Blei und Cadmium in Lebensmitteln

As of 5 April 2002, the maximum levels of the environmental contaminants, lead and cadmium, in different foodstuffs are now applicable for the first time throughout the entire EU. The toxicological assessment of lead and cadmium provides the basis for establishing maximum levels for these heavy metals in foods. The fixation of maximum levels results in obligatory regulations concerning the admissible burden of foods with these contaminants and, consequently, contributes to a health-related protection of the consumer. On 8 March 2001, the Commission issued a directive laying down the smapling methods and the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of lead, cadmium and mercury in foodstuffs.