Ahead of new polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) legislation coming into force on 1 April, it’s essential that food producers, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers act now to ensure compliance, warns Fera Science.

EU Regulation 2015/1933 introduces legally binding maximum limits for PAHs in a wide range of foodstuffs, including cocoa fibre, banana chips, food supplements, dried herbs and dried spices. This latest legislation amends the existing EU Regulation in regards to maximum levels for PAHs.

“This is far more extensive than previous legislation, and will have significant impact across the whole food chain,” explains Martin Rose, scientific lead on environmental contaminants at Fera Science. “The addition of dried herbs and spices, for example, affects a large number of businesses, and it’s imperative that companies know about the legislation, and know what action to take.

“Legislation will continue to change, as we learn more about the nature of food processing systems and the effects any chemicals produced in-situ on human health. For this reason, companies that want to be proactive and show customers they excel in best practice should ensure they selec the best testing methods for their products.”

Fera Science has worked closely with the government on this issue as PAHs have been shown to cause cancer.