EU Food Industry Granted Two Years to Align with Stricter Nitrite and Nitrate Limits

The European Commission has introduced more rigorous limits on the use of nitrites and nitrates as food additives to minimize consumer exposure to nitrosamines, some of which have carcinogenic properties. These new measures are designed to ensure food safety while reducing the risk of nitrosamine exposure. European Union food businesses are granted a two-year transition period to adapt to these updated regulations.

The updated limits are detailed in a comprehensive document that amends the annexes to Commission Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and Council, as well as Commission Regulation (EU) 231/2012 concerning nitrites (E 249-250) and nitrates (E 251-252).

These new limits are a direct result of a rigorous scientific evaluation performed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). They were unanimously approved by EU Member States in the spring of 2023. EFSA's assessment, based on animal studies, highlighted the incidence of liver tumors in rodents exposed to nitrosamines as the most critical health concern related to nitrosamine exposure.

It's essential to note that these limits have been designed to accommodate the diverse array of products and their respective manufacturing conditions across the European Union. Nitrosamines can potentially be present in cured meat products, processed fish, cocoa, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, processed vegetables, cereals, milk, dairy products, as well as fermented, pickled, and spiced foods.