Austria Revises Food Extract Regulations, MTHF Residue Standards Spark Controversy, Potential Health Risks for Consumers?

In the context of the current growing global concern about food safety and consumer health issues, governments are gradually strengthening the regulation of the use of additives and extractants in food production. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection has published a major consultation document on 17 September 2024, which aims to amend the current extractant regulations to further regulate the use of extractants in food production. This not only highlights the Austrian government's high attention to food safety issues, but also sets a new example for the global food safety supervision field.

According to the consultation document, the core elements of the revision work include specific provisions on the use of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (hereinafter referred to as "MTHF") as an extractant in the production or fractionation of specific foods. As an efficient and environmentally friendly organic solvent, MTHF is gradually favored in the food industry, and its excellent solubility and stability provide a new possibility for food extraction. However, with the expansion of its application scope, ensuring its safe residue in food has become an urgent problem to be solved.

In order to clarify the restrictions on the use ofMTHF in different foods, the Austrian government has specified in detail the maximum residue (mg/kg) of each type of food and its corresponding amount, as shown below:

In fats, oils or cocoa butter, the maximum residual amount of MTHF is set at 1mg/kg. This limit ensures that even in high-fat foods, MTHF residues are kept at extremely low levels and do not pose a threat to consumer health.

For skim protein products and skim flour foods, the maximum residue of MTHF is relaxed to 10mg/kg. This is based on the consideration that the adsorption capacity of protein and flour matrix to MTHF is relatively weak during the degreasing process to ensure the extraction effect.

The maximum residual amount of MTHF in defatted soy products sold to the end consumer is set at 30mg/kg. This standard takes into account the special nature of soy products and the health needs of consumers.

For non-fat grain products, the maximum residue of MTHF is set at 5mg/kg. This regulation aims to ensure that MTHF residues in cereal products are within reasonable limits to avoid potential risks to consumer health.

In formulating these regulations, the Austrian Government has taken into account relevant domestic and international regulations, scientific research and industry practice. Through extensive consultation with experts and public feedback, the government has sought to make these regulations both scientific and operational.

In addition, in order to ensure the smooth implementation of these regulations, the Austrian Government has established a one-month feedback period (until October 28, 2024). During this period, all sectors of society can submit their opinions and suggestions on the consultation document through official channels. This will not only help the government further improve the content of the revision, but also enhance the public's sense of participation and trust in food safety supervision.

The move by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection to amend the regulations on extractants will undoubtedly provide useful reference for global food safety regulation. By clarifying restrictions on the use of extractants such as MTHF in food, the government is committed to building a safer and healthier food production environment, thereby protecting the vital interests of consumers.