This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents  
►B COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1881/2006  
of 19 December 2006  
setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
(OJ L 364, 20.12.2006, p. 5)  
Amended by:  
Official Journal  
No page  date  
►M1 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2007 of 28 September 2007  L 255  14  29.9.2007  
►M2 Commission Regulation (EC) No 565/2008 of 18 June 2008  L 160  20  19.6.2008  
►M3 Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008 of 2 July 2008  L 173  6  3.7.2008  
►M4 Commission Regulation (EU) No 105/2010 of 5 February 2010  L 35  7  6.2.2010  
►M5 Commission Regulation (EU) No 165/2010 of 26 February 2010  L 50  8  27.2.2010  
►M6 Commission Regulation (EU) No 420/2011 of 29 April 2011  L 111  3  30.4.2011  
►M7 Commission Regulation (EU) No 835/2011 of 19 August 2011  L 215  4  20.8.2011  
►M8 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1258/2011 of 2 December 2011  L 320  15  3.12.2011  
►M9 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2011 of 2 December 2011  L 320  18  3.12.2011  
►M10  Commission Regulation (EU) No 219/2012 of 14 March 2012  L 75  5  15.3.2012  
►M11  Commission Regulation (EU) No 594/2012 of 5 July 2012  L 176  43  6.7.2012  
►M12  Commission Regulation (EU) No 1058/2012 of 12 November 2012  L 313  14  13.11.2012  
►M13  Commission Regulation (EU) No 1067/2013 of 30 October 2013  L 289  56  31.10.2013  
►M14  Commission Regulation (EU) No 212/2014 of 6 March 2014  L 67  3  7.3.2014  
►M15  Commission Regulation (EU) No 362/2014 of 9 April 2014  L 107  56  10.4.2014  
►M16  Commission Regulation (EU) No 488/2014 of 12 May 2014  L 138  75  13.5.2014  
►M17  Commission Regulation (EU) No 696/2014 of 24 June 2014  L 184  1  25.6.2014  
►M18  Commission Regulation (EU) No 1327/2014 of 12 December 2014  L 358  13  13.12.2014  
►M19  Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/704 of 30 April 2015  L 113  27  1.5.2015  
►M20  Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1125 of 10 July 2015  L 184  7  11.7.2015  
►M21  Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1137 of 13 July 2015  L 185  11  14.7.2015  2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 1COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1881/2006  
of 19 December 2006  
setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,  
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 of 8 February 
1993 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food (  1 ), 
and in particular Article 2(3) thereof,  
Whereas:  
(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 
setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (  2 ) 
has been amended substantially many times. It is necessary to amend again maximum levels for certain contaminants to take into account new information and developments in Codex Alimentarius. At the same time, the text should, where appro ­
priate, be clarified. Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 should therefore be replaced.
 
(2) It is essential, in order to protect public health, to keep 
contaminants at levels which are toxicologically acceptable.  
(3) In view of disparities between the laws of Member States and the 
consequent risk of distortion of competition, for some contaminants Community measures are necessary in order to ensure market unity while abiding by the principle of propor ­
tionality.
 
(4) Maximum levels should be set at a strict level which is 
reasonably achievable by following good agricultural, fishery and manufacturing practices and taking into account the risk related to the consumption of the food. In the case of contaminants which are considered to be genotoxic carcinogens or in cases where current exposure of the population or of vulnerable groups in the population is close to or exceeds the tolerable intake, maximum levels should be set at a level which is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Such approaches ensure that food business operators apply measures to prevent and reduce the contamination as far as possible in order to protect public health. It is furthermore appropriate for the health protection of infants and young children, a vulnerable group, to establish the lowest maximum levels, which are achievable through a strict selection of the raw materials used 
for the manufacturing of foods for infants and young children. 
This strict selection of the raw materials is also appropriate for the production of some specific foodstuffs such as bran for direct human consumption.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 2  
( 1 ) OJ L 37, 13.2.1993, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 
1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 
31.10.2003, p. 1). 
( 2 ) OJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 
199/2006 (OJ L 32, 4.2.2006, p. 32). (5) To allow maximum levels to be applied to dried, diluted, 
processed and compound foodstuffs, where no specific Community maximum levels have been established, food business operators should provide the specific concentration and dilution factors accompanied by the appropriate experimental data justifying the factor proposed.
 
(6) To ensure an efficient protection of public health, products 
containing contaminants exceeding the maximum levels should not be placed on the market either as such, after mixture with other foodstuffs or used as an ingredient in other foods.
 
(7) It is recognised that sorting or other physical treatments make it 
possible to reduce the aflatoxin content of consignments of groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and maize. In order to minimise the effects on trade, it is appropriate to allow higher aflatoxin contents for those products which are not intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In these cases, the maximum levels for aflatoxins should be fixed taking into consideration the effectiveness of the above-mentioned 
treatments to reduce the aflatoxin content in groundnuts, nuts, 
dried fruit and maize to levels below the maximum limits fixed for those products intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs.
 
(8) To enable effective enforcement of the maximum levels for 
certain contaminants in certain foodstuffs, it is appropriate to 
provide for suitable labelling provisions for these cases.  
(9) Because of the climatic conditions in some Member States, it is 
difficult to ensure that the maximum levels are not exceeded for fresh lettuce and fresh spinach. These Member States should be allowed for a temporary period to continue to authorise the 
marketing of fresh lettuce and fresh spinach grown and 
intended for consumption in their territory with nitrate contents exceeding the maximum levels. Lettuce and spinach producers established in the Member States which have given the afore ­
mentioned authorisations should progressively modify their farming methods by applying the good agricultural practices recommended at national level.
 
(10) Certain fish species originating from the Baltic region may 
contain high levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. A significant proportion of these fish species from the Baltic region will not comply with the maximum levels and would therefore be excluded from the diet. There are indications that the exclusion of fish from the diet may have a negative health impact in the Baltic region.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 3 
(11) Sweden and Finland have a system in place which has the 
capacity to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations concerning restrictions on consumption of fish from the Baltic region by identified vulnerable groups of the population in order to avoid potential health risks. Therefore, it is appropriate to grant a derogation to Finland and Sweden to place on the market for a temporary period certain fish species originating in the Baltic region and intended for consumption in 
their territory with levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs higher 
than those set in this Regulation. The necessary measures must be implemented to ensure that fish and fish products not complying with the maximum levels are not marketed in other Member States. Finland and Sweden report every year to the Commission the results of their monitoring of the levels of dioxins and dioxin- like PCBs in fish from the Baltic region and the measures to reduce human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs from the Baltic region.
 
(12) To ensure that the maximum levels are enforced in a uniform 
way, the same sampling criteria and the same analysis performance criteria should be applied by the competent auth ­
orities throughout the Community. It is furthermore important that analytical results are reported and interpreted in a uniform way. The measures as regards sampling and analysis specified in this Regulation provide for uniform rules on reporting and inter ­
pretation.
 
(13) For certain contaminants, Member States and interested parties 
should monitor and report levels, as well report on the progress 
with regard to application of preventative measures, to allow the Commission to assess the need to modify existing measures or to adopt additional measures.
 
(14) Any maximum level adopted at Community level can be subject 
to a review to take account of the advance of scientific and technical knowledge and improvements in good agricultural, fishery and manufacturing practices.
 
(15) Bran and germ can be marketed for direct human consumption 
and it is therefore appropriate to establish a maximum level for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in these commodities.
 
(16) Codex Alimentarius has recently set a maximum level for lead in 
fish which the Community accepted. It is therefore appropriate to modify the current provision for lead in fish accordingly.
 
(17) Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and 
Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (
 1 ) defines foodstuffs of animal origin, and 
consequently the entries as regards foodstuffs of animal origin should be amended in some cases according to the terminology used in that Regulation.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 4  
( 1 ) OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 55, as corrected by OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, p. 22. 
Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1662/2006 (OJ L 320, 18.11.2006, p. 1). (18) It is necessary to provide that the maximum levels for 
contaminants do not apply to the foodstuffs which have been lawfully placed on the Community market before the date of application of these maximum levels.
 
(19) As regards nitrate, vegetables are the major source for the human 
intake of nitrate. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) stated in its opinion of 22 September 1995 (
 1 ) that the total intake of 
nitrate is normally well below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3,65 mg/kg body weight (bw). It recommended, however, continuation of efforts to reduce exposure to nitrate via food and water.
 
(20) Since climatic conditions have a major influence on the levels of 
nitrate in certain vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, different maximum nitrate levels should therefore be fixed depending on the season.
 
(21) As regards aflatoxins, the SCF expressed in its opinion of 
23 September 1994 that aflatoxins are genotoxic carcinogens (  2 ). 
Based on that opinion, it is appropriate to limit the total aflatoxin content of food (sum of aflatoxins B
 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G  2 ) as well as 
the aflatoxin B  1 content alone, aflatoxin B  1 being by far the most 
toxic compound. For aflatoxin M  1 in foods for infants and young 
children, a possible reduction of the current maximum level should be considered in the light of developments in analytical procedures.
 
(22) As regards ochratoxin A (OTA), the SCF adopted a scientific 
opinion on 17 September 1998 (  3 ). An assessment of the 
dietary intake of OTA by the population of the Community has been performed (
 4 ) in the framework of Council Directive 
93/5/EEC of 25 February 1993 on assistance to the Commission and cooperation by the Member States in the scientific exam ­
ination of questions relating to food (
 5 ) (SCOOP). The 
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has, on a request from the Commission, adopted an updated scientific opinion relating to ochratoxin A in food on 4 April 2006 (
 6 ), taking 
into account new scientific information and derived a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 120 ng/kg bw.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 5  
( 1 ) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 38th series, Opinion of the 
Scientific Committee for Food on nitrates and nitrite, p. 1, http://ec.europa.eu/ food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_38.pdf 
(
 2 ) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 35th series, Opinion of the 
Scientific Committee for Food on aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and patulin, p. 45, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_35.pdf 
(
 3 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Ochratoxin A (expressed on 
17 September 1998) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out14_en.html 
( 4 ) Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.7 ‘Assessment of dietary 
intake of Ochratoxin A by the population of EU Member States’. http://ec.eu ­
ropa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/ contaminants/task_3-2-7_en.pdf 
(
 5 ) OJ L 52, 4.3.1993, p. 18. 
( 6 ) Opinion of the Scientific Panel on contaminants in the Food Chain of the 
EFSA on a request from the Commission related to ochratoxin A in food. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/etc/medialib/efsa/science/contam/contam_opinions/ 1521.Par.0001.File.dat/contam_op_ej365_ochratoxin_a_food_en1.pdf (23) Based on these opinions, it is appropriate to set maximum levels 
for cereals, cereal products, dried vine fruit, roasted coffee, wine, grape juice and foods for infants and young children, all of which contribute significantly to general human exposure to OTA or to the exposure of vulnerable groups of consumers such as children.
 
(24) The appropriateness of setting a maximum level for OTA in 
foodstuffs such as dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, cocoa and cocoa products, spices, meat products, green coffee, beer and 
liquorice, as well as a review of the existing maximum levels, in 
particular for OTA in dried vine fruit and grape juice, will be considered in the light of the recent EFSA scientific opinion.
 
(25) As regards patulin, the SCF endorsed in its meeting on 8 March 
2000 the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 0,4 μg/kg bw for patulin (
 1 ). 
(26) In 2001, a SCOOP-task ‘Assessment of the dietary intake of 
patulin by the population of EU Member States’ in the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC was performed (
 2 ). 
(27) Based on that assessment and taking into account the PMTDI, 
maximum levels should be set for patulin in certain foodstuffs to protect consumers from unacceptable contamination. These maximum levels should be reviewed and, if necessary, reduced taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge and the implementation of Commission Recommen ­
dation 2003/598/EC of 11 August 2003 on the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages (
 3 ). 
(28) As regards Fusarium toxins, the SCF has adopted several 
opinions evaluating deoxynivalenol in December 1999 (  4 ) estab­
lishing a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 1 μg/kg bw, zearalenone 
in June 2000 (  5 ) establishing a temporary TDI of 0,2 μg/kg 
bw, fumonisins in October 2000 (  6 ) (updated in April 2003) (  7 ) 
establishing a TDI of 2 μg/kg bw, nivalenol in October  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 6  
( 1 ) Minutes of the 120th Meeting of the Scientific Committee on Food held on 8 
and 9 March 2000 in Brussels, Minute statement on patulin. http://ec.eu ­
ropa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out55_en.pdf 
( 2 ) Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.8, ‘Assessment of dietary 
intake of Patulin by the population of EU Member States’. http://ec.eu ­
ropa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/3.2.8_en.pdf 
( 3 ) OJ L 203, 12.8.2003, p. 34. 
( 4 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 1: 
Deoxynivalenol (DON), (expressed on 2 December 1999) http://ec.europa.eu/ 
food/fs/sc/scf/out44_en.pdf 
( 5 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 2: 
Zearalenone (ZEA), (expressed on 22 June 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/ sc/scf/out65_en.pdf 
(
 6 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 3: 
Fumonisin B  1 (FB  1 ) (expressed on 17 October 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/ 
fs/sc/scf/out73_en.pdf 
( 7 ) Updated opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fumonisin B  1 , B 2 
and B  3 (expressed on 4 April 2003) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/ 
out185_en.pdf 2000 (  1 ) establishing a temporary TDI of 0,7 μg/kg bw, T-2 and 
HT-2 toxin in May 2001 (  2 ) establishing a combined temporary 
TDI of 0,06 μg/kg bw and the trichothecenes as group in 
February 2002 (  3 ). 
(29) In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC the SCOOP-task ‘Col ­
lection of occurrence data on Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of dietary intake by the population of EU Member States’ was performed and finalised in September 2003 (
 4 ). 
(30) Based on the scientific opinions and the assessment of the dietary 
intake, it is appropriate to set maximum levels for deoxyni ­
valenol, zearalenone and fumonisins. As regards fumonisins, 
monitoring control results of the recent harvests indicate that maize and maize products can be very highly contaminated by fumonisins and it is appropriate that measures are taken to avoid such unacceptably highly contaminated maize and maize products can enter the food chain.
 
(31) Intake estimates indicate that the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin 
can be of concern for public health. Therefore, the development of a reliable and sensitive method, collection of more occurrence 
data and more investigations/research in the factors involved in 
the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products, in particular in oats and oat products, is necessary and of high priority.
 
(32) It is not necessary due to co-occurrence to consider specific 
measures for 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B
 3 , as measures with regard to in particular 
deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B  1 and B  2 would also protect 
the human population from an unacceptable exposure from 3- acetyl deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol and fumonisin 
B
 3 . The same applies to nivalenol for which to a certain degree 
co-occurrence with deoxynivalenol can be observed. Furthermore, human exposure to nivalenol is estimated to be significantly below the t-TDI. As regards other trichothecenes considered in the abovementioned SCOOP-task, such as 3-acetyldeoxyni ­
valenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, T2-triol, diacet ­
oxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, monoacetoxyscirpenol and verrucol, the limited information available indicates that they do not occur widely and the levels found are generally low.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 7  
( 1 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 4: 
Nivalenol (expressed on 19 October 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/ out74_en.pdf 
(
 2 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 5: T-2 
toxin and HT-2 toxin (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/ sc/scf/out88_en.pdf 
(
 3 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 6: 
Group evaluation of T-2 toxin, HT-2toxin, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol. (adopted on 26 February 2002) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/ out123_en.pdf 
(
 4 ) Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.10 ‘Collection of 
occurrence data of Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of dietary intake by the population of EU Member States’. http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/ scoop/task3210.pdf (33) Climatic conditions during the growth, in particular at flowering, 
have a major influence on the Fusarium toxin content. However, good agricultural practices, whereby the risk factors are reduced to a minimum, can prevent to a certain degree the contamination by Fusarium  fungi. Commission Recommendation 2006/583/EC 
of 17 August 2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products (
 1 ) contains general prin ­
ciples for the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxin 
contamination (zearalenone, fumonisins and trichothecenes) in 
cereals to be implemented by the development of national codes of practice based on these principles.
 
(34) Maximum levels of Fusarium toxins should be set for unpro ­
cessed cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing. Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not considered as first-stage processing insofar as no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself. Scouring is to be considered as first-stage processing.
 
(35) Since the degree to which Fusarium toxins in unprocessed cereals 
are removed by cleaning and processing may vary, it is appro ­
priate to set maximum levels for final consumer cereal products as well as for major food ingredients derived from cereals to have enforceable legislation in the interest of ensuring public health protection.
 
(36) For maize, not all factors involved in the formation of Fusarium 
toxins, in particular zearalenone and fumonisins B  1 and B  2 , are 
yet precisely known. Therefore, a time period is granted to enable 
food business operators in the cereal chain to perform investi ­
gations on the sources of the formation of these mycotoxins and on the identification of the management measures to be taken to prevent their presence as far as reasonably possible. Maximum levels based on currently available occurrence data are proposed to apply from 2007 in case no specific maximum levels based on new information on occurrence and formation are set before that time.
 
(37) Given the low contamination levels of Fusarium toxins found in 
rice, no maximum levels are proposed for rice or rice products.  
(38) A review of the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, 
fumonisin B  1 and B  2 as well as the appropriateness of setting a 
maximum level for T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products should be considered by 1 July 2008, taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge on these toxins in food.  ▼
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( 1 ) OJ L 234, 29.8.2006, p. 35. (39) As regards lead, the SCF adopted an opinion on 19 June 1992 (  1 ) 
endorsing the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 25 μg/kg bw proposed by the WHO in 1986. The SCF concluded in 
its opinion that the mean level in foodstuffs does not seem to be a cause of immediate concern.
 
(40) In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC 2004 the SCOOP-task 
3.2.11 ‘Assessment of the dietary exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury of the population of the EU Member States’ was performed in 2004 (
 2 ). In view of this assessment and the 
opinion delivered by the SCF, it is appropriate to take measures to reduce the presence of lead in food as much as possible
 
(41) As regards cadmium, the SCF endorsed in its opinion of 2 June 
1995 (  3 ) the PTWI of 7 μg/kg bw and recommended greater 
efforts to reduce dietary exposure to cadmium since foodstuffs are the main source of human intake of cadmium. A dietary exposure assessment was performed in the SCOOP-task 3.2.11. In view of this assessment and the opinion delivered by the SCF, it is appropriate to take measures to reduce the presence of cadmium in food as much as possible.
 
(42) As regards mercury EFSA adopted on 24 February 2004 an 
opinion related to mercury and methylmercury in food (  4 ) and 
endorsed the provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1,6 μg/kg 
bw. Methylmercury is the chemical form of most concern and can make up more than 90 % of the total mercury in fish and seafood. Taking into account the outcome of the SCOOP-task 3.2.11, EFSA concluded that the levels of mercury found in foods, other than fish and seafood, were of lower concern. The forms of mercury present in these other foods are mainly not methylmercury and they are therefore considered to be of lower risk.
 
(43) In addition to the setting of maximum levels, targeted consumer 
advice is an appropriate approach in the case of methylmercury for protecting vulnerable groups of the population. An information note on methylmercury in fish and fishery products responding to this need has therefore been made available on the website of the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate- General of the European Commission (
 5 ). Several Member 
States have also issued advice on this issue that is relevant to 
their population.  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 9  
( 1 ) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 32nd series, Opinion of the 
Scientific Committee for Food on ‘The potential risk to health presented by lead in food and drink’, p. 7, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_ reports_32.pdf 
(
 2 ) Reports on tasks for scientific co-operation, Task 3.2.11 ‘Assessment of 
dietary exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury of the population of the EU Member States’. http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/ 
contaminants/scoop_3-2-11_heavy_metals_report_en.pdf 
(
 3 ) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 36th series, Opinion of the 
Scientific Committee for Food on cadmium, p. 67, http://ec.europa.eu/food/ fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_36.pdf 
(
 4 ) Opinion of the Scientific Panel on contaminants in the Food Chain of the 
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a request from the Commission related to mercury and methylmercury in food (adopted on 24 February 2004) 
http://www.efsa.eu.int/science/contam/contam_opinions/259/opinion_contam_ 
01_en1.pdf 
(
 5 ) http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/information_note_ 
mercury-fish_12-05-04.pdf (44) As regards inorganic tin, the SCF concluded in its opinion of 
12 December 2001 (  1 ) that levels of inorganic tin of 150 mg/kg 
in canned beverages and 250 mg/kg in other canned foods may cause gastric irritation in some individuals.
 
(45) To protect public health from this health risk it is necessary to set 
maximum levels for inorganic tin in canned foods and canned beverages. Until data becomes available on the sensitivity of infants and young children to inorganic tin in foods, it is necessary on a precautionary basis to protect the health of this vulnerable population group and to establish lower maximum levels.
 
(46) As regards 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) the SCF 
adopted on 30 May 2001 a scientific opinion as regards 3- MCPD in food (
 2 ), updating its opinion of 16 December 
1994 (  3 ) on the basis of new scientific information and estab ­
lished a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 μg/kg bw for 3-MCPD.  
(47) In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC the SCOOP-task ‘Col ­
lection and collation of data on levels of 3-MCPD and related substances in foodstuffs’ was performed and finalised in June 2004 (
 4 ). The main contributors of 3-MCPD to dietary intake 
were soy sauce and soy-sauce based products. Some other foods eaten in large quantities, such as bread and noodles, also contributed significantly to intake in some countries because of high consumption rather than high levels of 3-MCPD present in these foods.
 
(48) Accordingly maximum levels should be set for 3-MCPD in 
hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) and soy sauce taking into account the risk related to the consumption of these foods. Member States are requested to examine other foodstuffs for the occurrence of 3-MCPD in order to consider the need to set maximum levels for additional foodstuffs.
 
(49) As regards dioxins and PCBs, the SCF adopted on 30 May 2001 
an opinion on dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food (  5 ), updating  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 10  
( 1 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on acute risks posed by tin in 
canned foods (adopted on 12 December 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/ scf/out110_en.pdf 
(
 2 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on 3-monochloro-propane-1,2- 
diol (3-MCPD) updating the SCF opinion of 1994 (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out91_en.pdf 
(
 3 ) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 36th series, Opinion of the 
Scientific Committee for Food on 3-monochloro-propane-1,2-diol 3-MCPD), 
p. 31, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_36.pdf 
( 4 ) Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.9 ‘Collection and 
collation of data on levels of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and related substances in foodstuffs’. http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/ contaminants/scoop_3-2-9_final_report_chloropropanols_en.pdf 
(
 5 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risk assessment of 
dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food. Update based on new scientific 
information available since the adoption of the SCF opinion of 22nd November 2000 (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/ out90_en.pdf its opinion of 22 November 2000 (  1 ) fixing a tolerable weekly 
intake (TWI) of 14 pg World Health Organisation toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ)/kg bw for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs.
 
(50) Dioxins as referred to in this Regulation cover a group of 75 
polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) congeners and 135 polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners, of which 17 are of toxicological concern. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 
are a group of 209 different congeners which can be divided 
into two groups according to their toxicological properties: 12 congeners exhibit toxicological properties similar to dioxins and are therefore often termed dioxin-like PCBs. The other PCBs do not exhibit dioxin-like toxicity but have a different toxicological profile.
 
(51) Each congener of dioxins or dioxin-like PCBs exhibits a different 
level of toxicity. In order to be able to sum up the toxicity of these different congeners, the concept of toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) has been introduced to facilitate risk assessment and regu ­
latory control. This means that the analytical results relating to all the individual dioxin and dioxin-like PCB congeners of toxico ­
logical concern are expressed in terms of a quantifiable unit, namely the TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQ).
 
(52) Exposure estimates taking into account the SCOOP-task 
‘Assessment of dietary intake of dioxins and related PCBs by the population of EU Member States’ finalised in June 2000 (
 2 ) 
indicate that a considerable proportion of the Community popu ­
lation has a dietary intake in excess of the TWI.  
(53) From a toxicological point of view, any level set should apply to 
both dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, but in 2001 maximum levels were set on Community level only for dioxins and not for dioxin- like PCBs, given the very limited data available at that time on the prevalence of dioxin-like PCBs. Since 2001, however, more data on the presence of dioxin-like PCBs have become available, therefore, maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs have been set in 2006 as this is the most appropriate approach from a toxicological point of view. In order to ensure a smooth transition, the levels for dioxins should continue to 
apply for a transitional period in addition to the levels for the 
sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Foodstuffs must comply during that transitional period with the maximum levels for dioxins and with the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Consideration will be given by 31 December 2008 to dispensing with the separate maximum levels for dioxins.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 11  
( 1 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risk assessment of 
dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food. (adopted on 22 November 2000) 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out78_en.pdf 
( 2 ) Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.5 ‘Assessment of dietary 
intake of dioxins and related PCBs by the population of EU Member States’. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/library/pub/pub08_en.pdf (54) In order to encourage a proactive approach to reducing the 
dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs present in food and feed, action levels were set by Commission Recommendation 2006/88/EC of 6 February 2006 on the reduction of the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in feedingstuffs and foodstuffs (
 1 ). These 
action levels are a tool for competent authorities and operators to highlight those cases where it is appropriate to identify a source of contamination and to take measures to reduce or 
eliminate it. Since the sources of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs 
are different, separate action levels are determined for dioxins on the one hand and for dioxin-like PCBs on the other hand. This proactive approach to actively reduce the dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food and consequently, the maximum levels applicable should be reviewed within a defined period of time with the objective to set lower levels. Therefore, consideration will be given by 31 December 2008 to significantly reducing the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs.
 
(55) Operators need to make efforts to step up their capacity to 
remove dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs from marine oil. The significant lower level, to which consideration shall be given by 31 December 2008, shall be based on the technical possibilities of the most effective decontamination procedure.
 
(56) As regards the establishment of maximum levels for other food ­
stuffs by 31 December 2008, particular attention shall be paid to the need to set specific lower maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foods for infants and young children in the light of the monitoring data obtained through the 2005, 2006 and 2007 programmes for monitoring dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foods for infants and young children.
 
(57) As regards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the SCF concluded 
in its opinion of 4 December 2002 (  2 ) that a number of polycyclic 
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are genotoxic carcinogens. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 
(JECFA) performed in 2005 a risk assessment on PAHs and 
estimated margins of exposure (MOE) for PAH as a basis for advice on compounds that are both genotoxic and carcino ­
genic (
 3 ). 
(58) According to the SCF, benzo(a)pyrene can be used as a marker 
for the occurrence and effect of carcinogenic PAH in food, including also benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, ben- zo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, chrysene, cyclopenta(c,d)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, diben- zo(a,e)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)pyrene, dibenzo(a,i)pyrene, diben- zo(a,l)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and 5-methylchrysene.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 12  
( 1 ) OJ L 42, 14.2.2006, p. 26. 
( 2 ) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risks to human health of 
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in food (expressed on 4 December 2002) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out153_en.pdf 
(
 3 ) Evaluation of certain food contaminants — Report of the Joint FAO/WHO 
Expert Committee on Food Additives), 64th meeting, Rome, 8 to 17 February 
2005, p. 1 and p. 61. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 930, 2006 — http://whqlibdoc.who.int/ trs/WHO_TRS_930_eng.pdf Further analyses of the relative proportions of these PAH in foods 
would be necessary to inform a future review of the suitability of maintaining benzo(a)pyrene as a marker. In addition benzo(c)fluorene should be analysed, following a recommen ­
dation of JECFA.
 
(59) PAH can contaminate foods during smoking processes and 
heating and drying processes that allow combustion products to 
come into direct contact with food. In addition, environmental 
pollution may cause contamination with PAH, in particular in fish and fishery products.
 
(60) In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC, a specific SCOOP-task 
‘Collection of occurrence data on PAH in food’ has been performed in 2004 (
 1 ). High levels were found in dried fruits, 
olive pomace oil, smoked fish, grape seed oil, smoked meat products, fresh molluscs, spices/sauces and condiments.
 
(61) In order to protect public health, maximum levels are necessary 
for benzo(a)pyrene in certain foods containing fats and oils and in foods where smoking or drying processes might cause high levels of contamination. Maximum levels are also necessary in foods where environmental pollution may cause high levels of contami ­
nation, in particular in fish and fishery products, for example resulting from oil spills caused by shipping.
 
(62) In some foods, such as dried fruit and food supplements, 
benzo(a)pyrene has been found, but available data are incon ­
clusive on what levels are reasonably achievable. Further inves ­
tigation is needed to clarify the levels that are reasonably achievable in these foods. In the meantime, maximum levels for benzo(a)pyrene in relevant ingredients should apply, such as in oils and fats used in food supplements.
 
(63) The maximum levels for PAH and the appropriateness of setting 
a maximum level for PAH in cocoa butter should be reviewed by 1 April 2007, taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge on the occurrence of benzo(a)pyrene and other carcinogenic PAH in food.
 
(64) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance 
with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 13  
( 1 ) Reports on tasks for scientific co-operation, Task 3.2.12 ‘Collection of occurrence 
data on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food’. http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/ chemicalsafety/contaminants/scoop_3-2-12_final_report_pah_en.pdf HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:  
Article 1  
General rules  
1. The foodstuffs listed in the Annex shall not be placed on the 
market where they contain a contaminant listed in the Annex at a 
level exceeding the maximum level set out in the Annex.  
2. The maximum levels specified in the Annex shall apply to the 
edible part of the foodstuffs concerned, unless otherwise specified in the Annex.
 
Article 2  
Dried, diluted, processed and compound foodstuffs  
1. When applying the maximum levels set out in the Annex to food ­
stuffs which are dried, diluted, processed or composed of more than one 
ingredient, the following shall be taken into account:  
(a) changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by drying or 
dilution processes;  
(b) changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by 
processing;  
(c) the relative proportions of the ingredients in the product;  
(d) the analytical limit of quantification.  
2. The specific concentration or dilution factors for the drying, 
dilution, processing and/or mixing operations concerned or for the dried, diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs concerned shall be provided and justified by the food business operator, when the competent authority carries out an official control.
 
If the food business operator does not provide the necessary concen ­
tration or dilution factor or if the competent authority deems that factor inappropriate in view of the justification given, the authority shall itself define that factor, based on the available information and with the objective of maximum protection of human health.
 
3. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply in so far as no specific Community 
maximum levels are fixed for these dried, diluted, processed or compound foodstuffs.
 
4. As far as Community legislation does not provide for specific 
maximum levels for foods for infants and young children, Member States may provide for stricter levels.
 
Article 3  
Prohibitions on use, mixing and detoxification  
1. Foodstuffs not complying with the maximum levels set out in the 
Annex shall not be used as food ingredients.  
2. Foodstuffs complying with the maximum levels set out in the 
Annex shall not be mixed with foodstuffs which exceed these maximum levels.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 14 
3. Foodstuffs to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to 
reduce contamination levels shall not be mixed with foodstuffs intended for direct human consumption or with foodstuffs intended for use as a food ingredient.
 
4. Foodstuffs containing contaminants listed in section 2 of the 
Annex (Mycotoxins) shall not be deliberately detoxified by chemical treatments.  
▼
M5 
Article 4  
Specific provisions for groundnut, other oilseeds, tree nuts, dried 
fruit, rice and maize  
Groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, tree nuts, dried fruit, rice and 
maize not complying with the appropriate maximum levels of aflatoxins laid down in points 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11 of the Annex can be placed on the market provided that these foodstuffs:
 
(a) are not intended for direct human consumption or use as an 
ingredient in foodstuffs;  
(b) comply with the appropriate maximum levels laid down in points 
2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.9 and 2.1.12 of the Annex;  
(c) are subjected to a treatment involving sorting or other physical 
treatment and that after this treatment the maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11 of the Annex are not exceeded, and this treatment does not result in other harmful residues;
 
(d) are labelled clearly showing their use, and bearing the indication 
‘product shall be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce aflatoxin contamination before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs’. The indication shall be included on the label of each individual bag, box etc. and on the original accom ­
panying document. The consignment/batch identification code shall be indelibly marked on each individual bag, box etc. of the consignment and on the original accompanying document.
 
Article 5  
Specific provisions for groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, derived 
products thereof and cereals  
A clear indication of the intended use must appear on the label of each 
individual bag, box, etc. and on the original accompanying document. This accompanying document must have a clear link with the consignment by means of mentioning the consignment identification code, which is on each individual bag, box, etc. of the consignment. In addition the business activity of the consignee of the consignment given on the accompanying document must be compatible with the intended use.  ▼
B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 15 
In the absence of a clear indication that their intended use is not for 
human consumption, the maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.5 and 2.1.11 of the Annex shall apply to all groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds and derived products thereof and cereals placed on the market.
 
As regards the exception of groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for 
crushing and the application of the maximum levels laid down in point 2.1.1 of the Annex, the exception only applies to consignments which are clearly labelled showing their use and bearing the indication ‘product to be subject to crushing for the production of refined vegetable oil’. The indication shall be included on the label of each individual bag, box etc. and on the accompanying document(s). The final destination must be a crushing plant.  
▼
B 
Article 6  
Specific provisions for lettuce  
Unless lettuce grown under cover (protected lettuce) is labelled as such, 
maximum levels set in the Annex for lettuce grown in the open air (open-grown lettuce) shall apply.
 
Article 7  
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Derogations  
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4. By way of derogation from Article 1, Finland, Sweden and Latvia 
may authorise the placing on their market of wild caught salmon ( Salmo 
salar ) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region and intended 
for consumption in their territory with levels of dioxins and/or dioxin- like PCBs and/or non-dioxin-like PCBs higher than those set out in point 5.3 of the Annex, provided that a system is in place to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught salmon from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable 
sections of the population in order to avoid potential health risks.
 
Finland, Sweden and Latvia shall continue to apply the necessary 
measures to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not complying with point 5.3 of the Annex are not marketed in other Member States.
 
Finland, Sweden and Latvia will report yearly to the Commission the 
measures they have taken to effectively inform the identified vulnerable sections of the population of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels is not marketed in other Member States. They shall furthermore provide evidence of the effectiveness of these measures.
 ▼M5 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 16 
5. By way of derogation from Article 1, Finland and Sweden may 
authorise the placing on their market of wild caught herring larger than 17 cm ( Clupea harengus ), wild caught char ( Salvelinus  spp.), wild 
caught river lamprey ( Lampetra fluviatilis ) and wild caught trout 
(Salmo trutta ) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region 
and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of dioxins and/or dioxin-like PCBs and/or non dioxin-like PCBs higher than those set out in point 5.3 of the Annex, provided that a system is in place to 
ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommen ­
dations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable sections of the population in order to avoid potential health risks.
 
Finland and Sweden shall continue to apply the necessary measures to 
ensure that wild caught herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout and products thereof not complying with point 5.3 of the Annex are not marketed in other Member States.
 
Finland and Sweden will report yearly to the Commission the measures 
they have taken to effectively inform the identified vulnerable sections of the population of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that fish and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels is not marketed in other Member States. They shall furthermore provide 
evidence of the effectiveness of these measures.
 
▼M18  
6. By way of derogation from Article 1, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, 
Cyprus, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom may authorise the placing on their market of traditionally smoked meat and smoked meat products, smoked in their territory and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of PAHs higher than those set out in point 6.1.4. of the Annex, provided that those products comply with the maximum levels applicable before 1 September 2014, i.e. 5,0 μg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene 
and 30,0 μg/kg for the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, 
benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene.
 
Those Member States shall continue to monitor the presence of PAHs in 
traditionally smoked meat and smoked meat products and shall establish 
programmes to implement good smoking practices where possible, 
within the limits of what is economically feasible and what is possible without losing typical organoleptic characteristics of those products.
 
Within 3 years from the application of the Regulation, the situation shall 
be re-assessed, on the basis of all available information, in view of determining a list of smoked meat and smoked meat products for which the derogation for local production and consumption shall be continued without a time limit.  ▼
M9 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 17 
7. By way of derogation from Article 1, Ireland, Latvia, Romania, 
Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom may authorise the placing on their market of traditionally smoked fish and smoked fishery products, smoked in their territory and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of PAHs higher than those set out in point 6.1.5. of the Annex, provided that those smoked products comply with the maximum levels applicable before 1 September 2014, i.e. 5,0 μg/kg for 
benzo(a)pyrene and 30,0 μg/kg for the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, 
benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene.
 
These Member States shall continue to monitor the presence of PAHs in 
traditionally smoked fish and smoked fishery products and shall establish programmes to implement good smoking practices where possible, within the limits of what is economically feasible and what is possible without losing typical organoleptic characteristics of those products.
 
Within 3 years from the application of this Regulation, the situation 
shall be re-assessed, on the basis of all available information, in view of determining a list of smoked fish and smoked fishery products for which the derogation for local production and consumption shall be continued without a time limit.  
▼
B 
Article 8  
Sampling and analysis  
The sampling and the analysis for the official control of the maximum 
levels specified in the Annex shall be performed in accordance with Commission Regulations (EC) No 1882/2006 (
 1 ), No 401/2006 (  2 ), No 
1883/2006 (  3 ) and Commission Directives 2001/22/EC (  4 ), 
2004/16/EC (  5 ) and 2005/10/EC (  6 ). 
Article 9  
Monitoring and reporting 
▼M8 
1. Member States shall monitor nitrate levels in vegetables which 
may contain significant levels, in particular green leaf vegetables, and communicate the result to EFSA on a regular basis.
 
▼M6 
2. Member States and interested parties shall communicate each year 
to the Commission the results of investigations undertaken and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination by ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B
 1 and B  2 , T-2 and HT-2 toxin. The Commission shall 
make the results available to the Member States. The related occurrence data shall be reported to EFSA.  ▼
M18  2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 18  
( 1 ) See page 25 of this Official Journal. 
( 2 ) OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 12. 
( 3 ) See page 32 of this Official Journal. 
( 4 ) OJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 14. Directive as amended by Directive 2005/4/EC (OJ 
L 19, 21.1.2005, p. 50). 
( 5 ) OJ L 42, 13.2.2004, p. 16. 
( 6 ) OJ L 34, 8.2.2005, p. 15. 3. Member States shall report to the Commission findings on 
aflatoxins obtained in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1152/2009 (
 1 ). Member States should report to EFSA 
findings on furan, ethylcarbamate, perfluoroalkylated substances and acrylamide obtained in accordance with Commission Recommen ­
dations 2007/196/EC (
 2 ), 2010/133/EU (  3 ), 2010/161/EU (  4 ) and 
2010/307/EU (  5 ). 
4. Occurrence data on contaminants collected by Member States 
should, if appropriate, also be reported to EFSA.  
▼B 
Article 10  
Repeal  
Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 is repealed.  
References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references 
to this Regulation.  
Article 11  
Transitional measures  
▼M11  
This Regulation shall not apply to products that were placed on the 
market before the dates referred to in points (a) to (f) in conformity with the provisions applicable at the respective date:  
▼
B 
(a) 1 July 2006 as regards the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol and 
zearalenone laid down in points 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 2.4.7, 2.5.1, 2.5.3, 2.5.5 and 2.5.7 of the Annex;  
▼
M1 
(b) 1 October 2007 as regards the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol 
and zearalenone laid down in points 2.4.3, 2.4.8, 2.4.9, 2.5.2, 2.5.4, 2.5.6, 2.5.8, 2.5.9 and 2.5.10 of the Annex;  
▼
B 
(c) 1 October 2007 as regards the maximum levels for fumonisins B  1 
and B  2 laid down in point 2.6 of the Annex;  
(d) 4 November 2006 as regards the maximum levels for the sum of 
dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs laid down in section 5 of the Annex;  
▼M11  
(e) 01 January 2012 as regards the maximum levels for non dioxin-like 
PCBs laid down in section 5 of the Annex;  
(f) 01 January 2015 as regards the maximum level for Ochratoxin A in  
Capsicum  spp. laid down in point 2.2.11. of the Annex.  ▼M6 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 19  
( 1 ) OJ L 313, 28.11.2009, p. 40. 
( 2 ) OJ L 88, 29.3.2007, p. 56. 
( 3 ) OJ L 52, 3.3.2010, p. 53. 
( 4 ) OJ L 68, 18.3.2010, p. 22. 
( 5 ) OJ L 137, 3.6.2010, p. 4. The burden of proving when the products were placed on the market 
shall be borne by the food business operator.  
Article 12  
Entry into force and application  
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its 
publication in the  Official Journal of the European Union . 
It shall apply from 1 March 2007.  
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in 
all Member States.  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 20 
ANNEX  
Maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs  ( 1 ) 
▼M8 
Section 1: Nitrate  
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels (mg NO  3 /kg) 
1.1 Fresh spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) ( 2 ) 3 500  
1.2 Preserved, deep-frozen or frozen spinach  2 000  
1.3 Fresh Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa  L.) (protected and 
open-grown lettuce) excluding lettuce listed in point 1.4
 Harvested 1 October to 31 March:  
lettuce grown under cover  5 000  
lettuce grown in the open air  4 000  
Harvested 1 April to 30 September:  
lettuce grown under cover  4 000  
lettuce grown in the open air  3 000  
1.4 ‘Iceberg’ type lettuce  Lettuce grown under cover  2 500  
Lettuce grown in the open air  2 000  
1.5 Rucola ( Eruca sativa , Diplotaxis  sp.,  Brassica 
tenuifolia , Sisymbrium tenuifolium ) Harvested 1 October to 31 March:  7 000  
Harvested 1 April to 30 September:  6 000  
1.6 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for 
infants and young children (  3 ) ( 4 ) 200 
▼B 
Section 2: Mycotoxins  
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
▼M5 
2.1. Aflatoxins  B  1 Sum of B  1 , B 2 , G 1 
and G  2 M 1 
2.1.1.  Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds (  40 ), to be 
subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs, 
with the exception of: — groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for crushing 
for refined vegetable oil production
 8,0 (  5 ) 15,0 (  5 ) —  
2.1.2.  Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels to be subjected 
to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
 12,0 (  5 ) 15,0 (  5 ) —  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 21 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
2.1.3.  Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, to be subjected to sorting, or 
other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
 8,0 (  5 ) 15,0 (  5 ) 
2.1.4.  Tree nuts, other than the tree nuts listed in 2.1.2 and 
2.1.3, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
 5,0 (  5 ) 10,0 (  5 ) —  
2.1.5.  Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds (  40 ) and 
processed products thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs, 
with the exception of: — crude vegetable oils destined for refining — refined vegetable oils
 2,0 (  5 ) 4,0 (  5 ) —  
2.1.6.  Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels, intended for 
direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs (
 41 ) 8,0 (  5 ) 10,0 (  5 ) —  
2.1.7.  Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, intended for direct human 
consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs (  41 ) 5,0 (  5 ) 10,0 (  5 ) 
2.1.8.  Tree nuts, other than the tree nuts listed in 2.1.6 and 
2.1.7, and processed products thereof, intended for 
direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in 
foodstuffs  2,0 (  5 ) 4,0 (  5 ) —  
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2.1.9.  Dried fruit, other than dried figs, to be subjected to 
sorting, or other physical treatment, before human 
consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs  5,0 10,0  —  
2.1.10.  Dried fruit, other than dried figs, and processed products 
thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
 2,0 4,0  —  
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2.1.11.  All cereals and all products derived from cereals, 
including processed cereal products, with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.1.12, 2.1.15 and 2.1.17
 2,0 4,0  —  
2.1.12.  Maize and rice to be subjected to sorting or other 
physical treatment before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs
 5,0 10,0  —  
2.1.13.  Raw milk (  6 ), heat-treated milk and milk for the manu ­
facture of milk-based products  — —  0,050  
2.1.14.  Following species of spices:  
Capsicum  spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, 
including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne and paprika)  
Piper  spp. (fruits thereof, including white and black 
pepper)  
Myristica fragrans  (nutmeg)  
Zingiber officinale  (ginger)  
Curcuma longa  (turmeric) 
Mixtures of spices containing one or more of the above ­
mentioned spices  5,0 10,0  —  ▼M5 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 22 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
2.1.15.  Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 0,10 —  —  
2.1.16.  Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant 
milk and follow-on milk (  4 ) ( 8 ) — —  0,025  
2.1.17.  Dietary foods for special medical purposes (  9 ) ( 10 ) 
intended specifically for infants  0,10 —  0,025  
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2.1.18.  Dried figs  6,0  10,0  —  
▼B 
2.2 Ochratoxin A  
2.2.1  Unprocessed cereals  5,0  
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2.2.2.  All products derived from unprocessed cereals, including 
processed cereal products and cereals intended for direct 
human consumption with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.2.9, 2.2.10 and 2.2.13
 3,0 
▼B 
2.2.3  Dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas)  10,0  
2.2.4  Roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee, 
excluding soluble coffee  5,0 
2.2.5  Soluble coffee (instant coffee)  10,0  
2.2.6  Wine (including sparkling wine, excluding liqueur wine 
and wine with an alcoholic strength of not less than 
15 % vol) and fruit wine (  11 ) 2,0 (  12 ) 
2.2.7  Aromatised wine, aromatised wine-based drinks and 
aromatised wine-product cocktails (  13 ) 2,0 (  12 ) 
2.2.8  Grape juice, concentrated grape juice as reconstituted, 
grape nectar, grape must and concentrated grape must as reconstituted, intended for direct human consump ­
tion (
 14 ) 2,0 (  12 ) 
2.2.9  Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 0,50 
2.2.10  Dietary foods for special medical purposes (  9 ) ( 10 ) 
intended specifically for infants  0,50 
▼M21  
2.2.11.  Spices, including dried spices  
Piper  spp. (fruits thereof, including white and black 
pepper)  
Myristica fragrans  (nutmeg)  
Zingiber officinale  (ginger)  
Curcuma longa  (turmeric)  15 μg/kg 
Capsicum  spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, 
including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne and paprika)  20 μg/kg 
Mixtures of spices containing one of the abovementioned 
spices  15 μg/kg ▼M5 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 23 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
▼M4 
2.2.12.  Liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflate  and 
other species)  
2.2.12.1.  Liquorice root, ingredient for herbal infusion  20 μg/kg 
2.2.12.2.  Liquorice extract (  42 ), for use in food in particular 
beverages and confectionary  80 μg/kg 
▼M11  
2.2.13.  Wheat gluten not sold directly to the consumer  8,0  
▼B 
2.3 Patulin  
2.3.1  Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices as reconstituted and 
fruit nectars (  14 ) 50 
2.3.2  Spirit drinks (  15 ), cider and other fermented drinks 
derived from apples or containing apple juice  50 
2.3.3  Solid apple products, including apple compote, apple 
puree intended for direct consumption with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.3.4 and 2.3.5
 25 
2.3.4  Apple juice and solid apple products, including apple 
compote and apple puree, for infants and young 
children (  16 ) and labelled and sold as such (  4 ) 10,0 
2.3.5  Baby foods other than processed cereal-based foods for 
infants and young children (  3 ) ( 4 ) 10,0 
▼M1 
2.4 Deoxynivalenol  ( 17 ) 
2.4.1  Unprocessed cereals (  18 ) ( 19 ) other than durum wheat, 
oats and maize  1 250  
2.4.2  Unprocessed durum wheat and oats (  18 ) ( 19 ) 1 750  
2.4.3  Unprocessed maize (  18 ), with the exception of unpro ­
cessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling (  37 ) 1 750 (  20 ) 
2.4.4  Cereals intended for direct human consumption, cereal 
flour, bran and germ as end product marketed for direct human consumption, with the exception of food ­
stuffs listed in 2.4.7, 2.4.8 and 2.4.9
 750 
2.4.5  Pasta (dry) (  22 ) 750  
2.4.6  Bread (including small bakery wares), pastries, biscuits, 
cereal snacks and breakfast cereals  500 
2.4.7  Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 200 
2.4.8  Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 
micron falling within CN code 1103 13 or 1103 20 40 and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling 
within CN code 1904 10 10
 750 (  20 ) ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 24 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
2.4.9  Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 
micron falling within CN code 1102 20 and other 
maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron 
not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 1904 10 10
 1 250 (  20 ) 
2.5 Zearalenone  ( 17 ) 
2.5.1  Unprocessed cereals (  18 ) ( 19 ) other than maize  100  
2.5.2  Unprocessed maize (  18 ) with the exception of unpro ­
cessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling (  37 ) 350 (  20 ) 
2.5.3  Cereals intended for direct human consumption, cereal 
flour, bran and germ as end product marketed for 
direct human consumption, with the exception of food ­
stuffs listed in 2.5.6, 2.5.7, 2.5.8, 2.5.9 and 2.5.10  75 
2.5.4  Refined maize oil  400 (  20 ) 
2.5.5  Bread (including small bakery wares), pastries, biscuits, 
cereal snacks and breakfast cereals, excluding maize- 
snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals  50 
2.5.6  Maize intended for direct human consumption, maize- 
based snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals  100 (  20 ) 
2.5.7  Processed cereal-based foods (excluding processed 
maize-based foods) and baby foods for infants and 
young children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 20 
2.5.8  Processed maize-based foods for infants and young 
children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 20 (  20 ) 
2.5.9  Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 
micron falling within CN code 1103 13 or 1103 20 40 
and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 1904 10 10
 200 (  20 ) 
2.5.10  Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 
micron falling within CN code 1102 20 and other maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron 
not used for direct human consumption falling within 
CN code 1904 10 10
 300 (  20 ) 
2.6 Fumonisins  Sum of B  1 and B  2 
2.6.1  Unprocessed maize (  18 ), with the exception of unpro ­
cessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling (  37 ) 4 000 (  23 ) 
2.6.2  Maize intended for direct human consumption, maize- 
based foods for direct human consumption, with the 
exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.6.3 and 2.6.4  1 000 (  23 ) ▼M1 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 25 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
2.6.3  Maize-based breakfast cereals and maize-based snacks  800 (  23 ) 
2.6.4  Processed maize-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 7 ) 200 (  23 ) 
2.6.5  Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 
micron falling within CN code 1103 13 or 1103 20 40 
and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 1904 10 10
 1 400 (  23 ) 
2.6.6  Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 
micron falling within CN code 1102 20 and other maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron 
not used for direct human consumption falling within 
CN code 1904 10 10
 2 000 (  23 ) 
▼B 
2.7 T-2 and HT-2 toxin  ( 17 ) Sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxin  
2.7.1  Unprocessed cereals (  18 ) and cereal products  
▼M14  
2.8 Citrinin  
2.8.1  Food supplements based on rice fermented with red yeast  
Monascus purpureus  2 000 (*)  
▼B 
Section 3: Metals  
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(mg/kg wet weight)  
3.1 Lead  
3.1.1  Raw milk (  6 ), heat-treated milk and milk for the manu ­
facture of milk-based products  0,020  
3.1.2  Infant formulae and follow-on formulae (  4 ) ►M3 ( 8 ) ◄ 0,020  
3.1.3  Meat (excluding offal) of bovine animals, sheep, pig and 
poultry (  6 ) 0,10 
3.1.4  Offal of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry (  6 ) 0,50  
3.1.5  Muscle meat of fish (  24 ) ( 25 ) 0,30  
▼M6 
3.1.6  Crustaceans (  26 ): muscle meat from appendages and 
abdomen (  44 ). In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans 
(Brachyura and Anomura ) muscle meat from append ­
ages.  0,50 
▼B 
3.1.7  Bivalve molluscs (  26 ) 1,5  
3.1.8  Cephalopods (without viscera) (  26 ) 1,0  
▼M6 
3.1.9  Legume vegetables (  27 ), cereals and pulses  0,20  ▼M1 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 26 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(mg/kg wet weight)  
3.1.10  Vegetables, excluding brassica vegetables, leaf 
vegetables, fresh herbs, fungi and seaweed (  27 ). For 
potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes.  0,10 
3.1.11  Brassica vegetables, leaf vegetables (  43 ) and the 
following fungi (  27 ): Agaricus bisporus  (common mush ­
room),  Pleurotus ostreatus  (Oyster mushroom),  
Lentinula edodes  (Shiitake mushroom)  0,30 
▼B 
3.1.12  Fruit, excluding berries and small fruit (  27 ) 0,10  
3.1.13  Berries and small fruit (  27 ) 0,20  
3.1.14  Fats and oils, including milk fat  0,10  
3.1.15  Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices as reconstituted and 
fruit nectars (  14 ) 0,050  
3.1.16  Wine (including sparkling wine, excluding liqueur wine), 
cider, perry and fruit wine (  11 ) 0,20 (  28 ) 
3.1.17  Aromatized wine, aromatized wine-based drinks and 
aromatized wine-product cocktails (  13 ) 0,20 (  28 ) 
▼M3 
3.1.18  Food supplements (  39 ) 3,0  
▼M16  
3.2 Cadmium  
3.2.1  Vegetables and fruit, excluding root and tuber 
vegetables, leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy brassica, 
stem vegetables, fungi and seaweed (  27 ) 0,050  
3.2.2  Root and tuber vegetables (excluding celeriac, parsnips, 
salsify and horseradish), stem vegetables (excluding celery) (
 27 ). For potatoes the maximum level applies to 
peeled potatoes  0,10 
3.2.3  Leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy brassica, celery, 
celeriac, parsnips, salsify, horseradish and the following fungi (
 27 ): Agaricus bisporus  (common mushroom),  
Pleurotus ostreatus  (Oyster mushroom),  Lentinula 
edodes  (Shiitake mushroom)  0,20 
3.2.4  Fungi, excluding those listed in point 3.2.3 (  27 ) 1,0  
3.2.5  Cereal grains excluding wheat and rice  0,10  
3.2.6  — Wheat grains, rice grains 
— Wheat bran and wheat germ for direct consumption — Soy beans
 0,20 ▼M6 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 27 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(mg/kg wet weight)  
3.2.7  Specific cocoa and chocolate products as listed 
below (  49 ) 
— Milk chocolate with < 30 % total dry cocoa solids  0,10 as from 1 January 2019  
— Chocolate with < 50 % total dry cocoa solids; milk 
chocolate with ≥ 30 % total dry cocoa solids  0,30 as from 1 January 2019  
— Chocolate with ≥ 50 % total dry cocoa solids  0,80 as from 1 January 2019  
— Cocoa powder sold to the final consumer or as an 
ingredient in sweetened cocoa powder sold to the 
final consumer (drinking chocolate)  0,60 as from 1 January 2019  
3.2.8  Meat (excluding offal) of bovine animals, sheep, pig and 
poultry (  6 ) 0,050  
3.2.9  Horsemeat, excluding offal (  6 ) 0,20  
3.2.10  Liver of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and horse (  6 ) 0,50  
3.2.11  Kidney of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and 
horse (  6 ) 1,0 
3.2.12  Muscle meat of fish (  24 ) ( 25 ), excluding species listed in 
points 3.2.13, 3.2.14 and 3.2.15  0,050  
3.2.13  Muscle meat of the following fish (  24 ) ( 25 ): 
mackerel ( Scomber species ), tuna ( Thunnus species, 
Katsuwonus pelamis , Euthynnus species) , bichique 
(Sicyopterus lagocephalus ) 0,10 
3.2.14  Muscle meat of the following fish (  24 ) ( 25 ): 
bullet tuna  (Auxis species)  0,15 
3.2.15  Muscle meat of the following fish (  24 ) ( 25 ): 
anchovy ( Engraulis species ) 
swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) 
sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) 0,25 
3.2.16  Crustaceans (  26 ): muscle meat from appendages and 
abdomen (  44 ). In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans 
(Brachyura and Anomura ) muscle meat from appendages  0,50 
3.2.17  Bivalve molluscs (  26 ) 1,0  
3.2.18  Cephalopods (without viscera) (  26 ) 1,0  
3.2.19  Infant formulae and follow on-formulae (  8 ) ( 29 ) 
— powdered formulae manufac- tured from cows' milk 
proteins or protein hydrolysates  0,010 as from 1 January 2015  
— liquid formulae manufactured from cows' milk 
proteins or protein hydrolysates  0,005 as from 1 January 2015  
— powdered formulae manufac-tured from soya protein 
isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk 
proteins  0,020 as from 1 January 2015  
— liquid formulae manufactured from soya protein 
isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk proteins
 0,010 as from 1 January 2015  ▼M16  2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 28 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(mg/kg wet weight)  
3.2.20  Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 29 ) 0,040 as from 1 January 2015  
3.2.21  Food supplements (  39 ) excl. food supplements listed in 
point 3.2.22  1,0 
3.2.22  Food supplements (  39 ) consisting exclusively or mainly 
of dried seaweed, products derived from seaweed, or of 
dried bivalve molluscs  3,0 
▼B 
3.3 Mercury  
▼M6 
3.3.1  Fishery products (  26 ) and muscle meat of fish (  24 ) ( 25 ), 
excluding species listed in 3.3.2. The maximum level for crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen (
 44 ). In case of crabs and crab-like crus ­
taceans ( Brachyura and Anomura ) it applies to muscle 
meat from appendages.  0,50 
▼M3 
3.3.2  Muscle meat of the following fish (  24 ) ( 25 ): 
anglerfish ( Lophius species ) 
Atlantic catfish ( Anarhichas lupus ) 
bonito ( Sarda sarda ) 
eel ( Anguilla species ) 
emperor, orange roughy, rosy soldierfish ( Hoplostethus 
species ) 
grenadier ( Coryphaenoides rupestris ) 
halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus ) 
kingklip ( Genypterus capensis ) 
marlin ( Makaira species ) 
megrim ( Lepidorhombus species ) 
mullet ( Mullus species ) 
pink cusk eel ( Genypterus blacodes ) 
pike ( Esox lucius ) 
plain bonito ( Orcynopsis unicolor ) 
poor cod ( Tricopterus minutes ) 
Portuguese dogfish ( Centroscymnus coelolepis ) 
rays ( Raja species ) 
redfish ( Sebastes marinus, S. mentella, S. viviparus ) 
sail fish ( Istiophorus platypterus ) 
scabbard fish ( Lepidopus caudatus, Aphanopus carbo ) 
seabream, pandora ( Pagellus species ) 
shark (all species) 
snake mackerel or butterfish ( Lepidocybium flav ­
obrunneum, Ruvettus pretiosus, Gempylus serpens ) 
sturgeon ( Acipenser species ) 
swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) 
tuna ( Thunnus species, Euthynnus species, Katsuwonus 
pelamis ) 1,0 
3.3.3  Food supplements (  39 ) 0,10  
▼B 
3.4 Tin (inorganic)  
3.4.1  Canned foods other than beverages  200  ▼M16  2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 29 
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(mg/kg wet weight)  
3.4.2  Canned beverages, including fruit juices and vegetable 
juices  100 
3.4.3  Canned baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for 
infants and young children, excluding dried and powdered products (
 3 ) ( 29 ) 50 
3.4.4  Canned infant formulae and follow-on formulae 
(including infant milk and follow-on milk), excluding 
dried and powdered products  ►M3 ( 8 ) ◄ ( 29 ) 50 
3.4.5  Canned dietary foods for special medical purposes (  9 ) ( 29 ) 
intended specifically for infants, excluding dried and 
powdered products  50 
Section 4: 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)  
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels 
(μg/kg) 
4.1 Hydrolysed vegetable protein (  30 ) 20  
4.2 Soy sauce (  30 ) 20  
▼M9 
Section 5: Dioxins and PCBs  ( 31 ) 
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels  
Sum of dioxins 
(WHO-PCDD/ 
F-TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of dioxins 
and dioxin-like 
PCBS (WHO- 
PCDD/F-PCB- 
TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of PCB28, 
PCB52, PCB101, 
PCB138, PCB153 
and PCB180 
(ICES – 6) (  32 ) 
5.1 Meat and meat products (excluding edible offal) of the 
following animals (  6 ): 
— bovine animals and sheep  2,5 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 4,0 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 40 ng/g fat (  33 ) 
— poultry  1,75 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 3,0 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 40 ng/g fat (  33 ) 
— pigs  1,0 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 1,25 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 40 ng/g fat (  33 ) 
▼M13  
5.2 Liver of terrestrial animals referred to in 5.1 with the 
exception of sheep and derived products thereof  0,30 pg/g 
wet weight  0,50 pg/g 
wet weight  3,0 ng/g wet 
weight  
Liver of sheep and derived products thereof  1,25 pg/g 
wet weight  2,00 pg/g 
wet weight  3,0 ng/g wet 
weight  ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 30 
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels  
Sum of dioxins 
(WHO-PCDD/ 
F-TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of dioxins 
and dioxin-like 
PCBS (WHO- 
PCDD/F-PCB- 
TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of PCB28, 
PCB52, PCB101, 
PCB138, PCB153 
and PCB180 
(ICES – 6) (  32 ) 
▼M19  
5.3 Muscle meat of fish and fishery products and products 
thereof (  25 ) ( 34 ), with the exemption of: 
— wild caught eel — wild caught spiny dogfish ( Squalus acanthias ) 
— wild caught fresh water fish, with the exception of 
diadromous fish species caught in fresh water 
— fish liver and derived products — marine oils 
The maximum level for crustaceans applies to muscle 
meat from appendages and abdomen (
 44 ). In case of 
crabs and crab-like crustaceans ( Brachyura  and  
Anomura ) it applies to muscle meat from appendages.  3,5 pg/g wet 
weight  6,5 pg/g wet 
weight  75 ng/g wet 
weight  
▼M9 
5.4 Muscle meat of wild caught fresh water fish, with the 
exception of diadromous fish species caught in fresh water, and products thereof (
 25 ) 3,5 pg/g wet 
weight  6,5 pg/g wet 
weight  125 ng/g wet 
weight  
▼M19  
5.4a Muscle meat of wild caught spiny dogfish ( Squalus 
acanthias ) and products thereof (  34 ) 3,5 pg/g wet 
weight  6,5 pg/g wet 
weight  200 ng/g wet 
weight  
▼M9 
5.5 Muscle meat of wild caught eel ( Anguilla anguilla)  and 
products thereof  3,5 pg/g wet 
weight  10,0 pg/g 
wet weight  300 ng/g wet 
weight  
5.6 Fish liver and derived products thereof with the 
exception of marine oils referred to in point 5.7  — 20,0 pg/g 
wet 
weight (  38 ) 200 ng/g wet 
weight (  38 ) 
5.7 Marine oils (fish body oil, fish liver oil and oils of other 
marine organisms intended for human consumption)  1,75 pg/g fat  6,0 pg/g fat  200 ng/g fat  
5.8 Raw milk (  6 ) and dairy products (  6 ), including butter fat  2,5 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 5,5 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 40 ng/g fat (  33 ) 
5.9 Hen eggs and egg products (  6 ) 2,5 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 5,0 pg/g 
fat (  33 ) 40 ng/g fat (  33 ) 
5.10 Fat of the following animals:  
— bovine animals and sheep  2,5 pg/g fat  4,0 pg/g fat  40 ng/g fat  
— poultry  1,75 pg/g fat  3,0 pg/g fat  40 ng/g fat  
— pigs  1,0 pg/g fat  1,25 pg/g fat  40 ng/g fat  
5.11 Mixed animal fats  1,5 pg/g fat  2,50 pg/g fat  40 ng/g fat  ▼M9 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 31 
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels  
Sum of dioxins 
(WHO-PCDD/ 
F-TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of dioxins 
and dioxin-like 
PCBS (WHO- 
PCDD/F-PCB- 
TEQ) (  32 ) Sum of PCB28, 
PCB52, PCB101, 
PCB138, PCB153 
and PCB180 
(ICES – 6) (  32 ) 
5.12 Vegetable oils and fats  0,75 pg/g fat  1,25 pg/g fat  40 ng/g fat  
5.13 Foods for infants and young children (  4 ) 0,1 pg/g wet 
weight  0,2 pg/g wet 
weight  1,0 ng/g wet 
weight  
▼M20  
Section 6: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons  
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
6.1 Benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene 
and chrysene  Benzo(a)pyrene  Sum of 
benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene 
and chrysene (
 45 ) 
6.1.1  Oils and fats (excluding cocoa butter and coconut oil) 
intended for direct human consumption or use as an 
ingredient in food  2,0 10,0  
6.1.2  Cocoa beans and derived products  5,0 μg/kg fat as from 
1.4.2013  35,0 μg/kg fat as from 
1.4.2013 until 
31.3.2015 
30,0 μg/kg fat as from 
1.4.2015  
6.1.3  Coconut oil intended for direct human consumption or 
use as an ingredient in food  2,0 20,0  
6.1.4  Smoked meat and smoked meat products  5,0 until 31.8.2014 
2,0 as from 1.9.2014  30,0 as from 1.9.2012 
until 31.8.2014 
12,0 as from 1.9.2014  
6.1.5  Muscle meat of smoked fish and smoked fishery 
products (  25 ) ( 36 ), excluding fishery products listed in 
points 6.1.6 and 6.1.7. The maximum level for smoked 
crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and 
abdomen (  44 ). In case of smoked crabs and crab-like 
crustaceans ( Brachyura  and  Anomura ) it applies to 
muscle meat from appendages.  5,0 until 31.8.2014 
2,0 as from 1.9.2014  30,0 as from 1.9.2012 
until 31.8.2014 
12,0 as from 1.9.2014  
6.1.6  Smoked sprats and canned smoked sprats (  25 ) ( 47 ) 
(Sprattus sprattus ); Smoked Baltic herring ≤ 14 cm 
length and canned smoked Baltic herring ≤ 14 cm 
length (  25 ) ( 47 ) (Clupea harengus membras ); Katsuobushi 
(dried bonito,  Katsuwonus pelamis ); bivalve molluscs 
(fresh, chilled or frozen) (  26 ); heat treated meat and 
heat treated meat products (  46 ) sold to the final consumer  5,0 30,0  ▼M9 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 32 
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels ( μg/kg) 
6.1.7  Bivalve molluscs (  36 ) (smoked)  6,0  35,0  
6.1.8  Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants 
and young children (  3 ) ( 29 ) 1,0 1,0  
6.1.9  Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant 
milk and follow-on milk (  8 ) ( 29 ) 1,0 1,0  
6.1.10  Dietary foods for special medical purposes (  9 ) ( 29 ) 
intended specifically for infants  1,0 1,0  
▼M11  
Section 7: Melamine and its structural analogues  
Foodstuffs  Maximum levels 
(mg/kg)  
7.1. Melamine  
7.1.1.  Food with the exception of infant formulae and follow- 
on formulae (  48 ) 2,5 
7.1.2.  Powdered infant formulae and follow-on formulae  1  
▼M17  
Section 8: Inherent plant toxins  
Foodstuffs (  1 ) Maximum levels (g/kg)  
8.1 Erucic acid  
8.1.1  Vegetable oils and fats  50 (**)  
8.1.2  Foods containing added vegetable oils and fats with the 
exception of the foods referred to in 8.1.3  50 (**)  
8.1.3  Infant formulae and follow-on formulae (  8 ) 10 (**)  
_____________  
►M14  (*) The maximum level is to be reviewed before 1 January 2016 in the light of information on exposure to citrinin from other 
foodstuffs and updated information on the toxicity of citrinin in particular as regards carcinogenicity and genotoxicity. ◄ 
►M17  (**) The maximum level refers to the level of erucic acid, calculated on the total level of fatty acids in the fat component i n 
food. ◄ 
( 1 ) As regards fruits, vegetables and cereals, reference is made to the foodstuffs listed in the relevant category as defined in Regulation 
(EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in 
or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1) as last 
amended by Regulation (EC) No 178/2006 (OJ L 29, 2.2.2006, p. 3). This means,  inter alia , that buckwheat ( Fagopyrum  sp) is 
included in ‘cereals’ and buckwheat products are included in ‘cereal products’.  ►M3 Tree nuts are not covered by the maximum 
level for fruit. ◄ 
( 2 ) The maximum levels do not apply for fresh spinach to be subjected to processing and which is directly transported in bulk fro m 
field to processing plant. 
( 3 ) ►M6 Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal- 
based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16). ◄ 
( 4 ) The maximum level refers to the products ready to use (marketed as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufact urer). 
( 5 ) ►M5 The maximum levels refer to the edible part of groundnuts (peanuts) and tree nuts. If groundnuts (peanuts) and tree nuts ‘in 
shell’ are analysed, it is assumed when calculating the aflatoxin content all the contamination is on the edible part, except i n the 
case of Brazil nuts. ◄ ▼M20  2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 33 
( 6 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of  
29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, p. 22). 
( 7 ) The maximum level refers to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.  
►M3 ( 8 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Commission Directive 2006/141/EC (OJ L 401, 30.12.2006, p. 1). ◄ 
( 9 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Commission Directive 1999/21/EC of 25 March 1999 on dietary foods for specia l 
medical purposes (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 29). 
( 10 ) The maximum level refers in the case of milk and milk prod ucts, to the products ready for use (marketed as such or reconstitu ted as 
instructed by the manufacturer) and in the case of products other than milk and milk products, to the dry matter. The dry matte r is 
determined in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. 
( 11 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common 
organisation of the market in wine (OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1) as last amended by the Protocol concerning the conditions and 
arrangements for admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (OJ L 157, 21.6.2005, p. 29). 
( 12 ) The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards. 
( 13 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rule s on 
the definition, description and presentation of aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product 
cocktails (OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1) as last amended by the Protocol concerning the conditions and arrangements for 
admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union. The maximum level for OTA applicable to these 
beverages is function of the proportion of wine and/or grape must present in the finished product. 
( 14 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Directive 2001/112/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit juices a nd 
certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 58). 
( 15 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89 of 29 May 1989 laying down general rules  on 
the definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks (OJ L 160, 12.6.1989, p. 1), as last amended by the Protocol conc erning 
the conditions and arrangements for admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union. 
( 16 ) ►M6 Infants and young children as defined in Directive 2006/141/EC (OJ L 401, 30.12.2006, p. 1) and Directive 2006/125/EC. ◄ 
( 17 ) For the purpose of the application of maximum levels for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin established in point s 
2.4, 2.5 and 2.7 rice is not included in ‘cereals’ and rice products are not included in ‘cereal products’. 
( 18 ) The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing. ‘First-stage processing’ sh all 
mean any physical or thermal treatment, other than drying, of or on the grain. Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not 
considered to be ‘first-stage processing’ insofar no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself and the whole grain remains 
intact after cleaning and sorting. In integrated production and processing systems, the maximum level applies to the unprocesse d 
cereals in case they are intended for first-stage processing. 
( 19 ) The maximum level applies to cereals harvested and taken over, as from the 2005/06 marketing year, in accordance with 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 824/2000 of 19 April 2000 establishing procedures for the taking-over of cereals by intervention 
agencies and laying down methods of analysis for determining the quality of cereals (OJ L 100, 20.4.2000, p. 31), as last amend ed 
by Regulation (EC) No 1068/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 65).  
►M1 ( 20 ) Maximum level shall apply from 1 October 2007. ◄ 
►M1 __________  ◄ 
( 22 ) Pasta (dry) means pasta with a water content of approximately 12 %. 
( 23 ) Maximum level shall apply from 1 October 2007. 
( 24 ) Fish listed in this category as defined in category (a), with the exclusion of fish liver falling under code CN 0302 70 00, o f the list 
in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22) as last amended by the Act concerning the 
conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the 
Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the  
Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded (OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33). In cas e 
of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs Article 2(1) and 2(2) apply. 
( 25 ) Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level shall apply to the whole fish.  
►M20  ( 26 ) Foodstuffs falling within categories (c) and (i) of the list in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European 
Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture 
products, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1184/2006 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 1), as appropriate (species as listed in the relevant entry). In case of dried, 
diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs Article 2(1) and 2(2) apply. In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level 
applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only. ◄ ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 34 
( 27 ) The maximum level applies after washing of the fruit or vegetables and separating the edible part. 
( 28 ) The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2001 fruit harvest onwards. 
( 29 ) The maximum level refers to the product as sold. 
( 30 ) The maximum level is given for the liquid product containing 40 % dry matter, corresponding to a maximum level of 50 μg/kg in 
the dry matter. The level needs to be adjusted proportiona lly according to the dry matter content of the products. 
( 31 ) ►M9 Dioxins (sum of polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), expressed as 
World Health Organisation (WHO) toxic equivalent using the WHO-toxic equivalency factors (WHO-TEFs)) and sum of dioxins 
and dioxin-like PCBs (sum of PCDDs, PCDFs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), expressed as WHO toxic equivalent using the 
WHO-TEFs). WHO-TEFs for human risk assessment based on the conclusions of the World Health Organization (WHO) – International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) expert meeting which was held in Geneva in June 2005 (Martin van den 
Berg et al., The 2005 World Health Organization Re-evaluation of Human and Mammalian Toxic Equivalency Factors for Dioxins 
and Dioxin-like Compounds. Toxicological Sciences 93(2), 223–241 (2006))
 
Congener  TEF value  
Dibenzo-p-dioxins (‘PCDDs’)  
2,3,7,8-TCDD  1  
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD  1  
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD  0,1  
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD  0,1  
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD  0,1  
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD  0,01  
OCDD  0,0003  
Dibenzofurans (‘PCDFs’)  
2,3,7,8-TCDF  0,1  
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF  0,03  
2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF  0,3  
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF  0,1  
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF  0,1  
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF  0,1  
2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF  0,1  
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF  0,01  
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF  0,01  
OCDF  0,0003  Congener  TEF value  
‘Dioxin-like’ PCBs Non-ortho PCBs 
+ Mono-ortho PCBs  
Non-ortho PCBs  
PCB 77  0,0001  
PCB 81  0,0003  
PCB 126  0,1  
PCB 169  0,03  
Mono-ortho PCBs  
PCB 105  0,00003  
PCB 114  0,00003  
PCB 118  0,00003  
PCB 123  0,00003  
PCB 156  0,00003  
PCB 157  0,00003  
PCB 167  0,00003  
PCB 189  0,00003  
Abbreviations used: ‘T’ = tetra; ‘Pe’ = penta; ‘Hx’ = hexa; ‘Hp’ = hepta; ‘O’ = octa; ‘CDD’ = chlorodibenzodioxin; ‘CDF’ = chlo rodibenzofuran; 
‘CB’ = chlorobiphenyl. ◄ 
( 32 ) Upperbound concentrations: Upperbound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the different co ngeners 
below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. 
( 33 ) ►M9 The maximum level expressed on fat is not applicable for foods containing < 2 % fat. For foods containing less than 2 % fat, t he 
maximum level applicable is the level on product basis corresponding to the level on product basis for the food containing 2 % fat, 
calculated from the maximum level established on fat basis, making use of following formula: 
Maximum level expressed on product basis for foods containing less than 2 % fat = maximum level expressed on fat for that food x 
0,02. ◄ 
►M2 ( 34 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in categories (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation  (EC) No 
104/2000, with the exclusion of fish liver referred to in point 5.11. ◄ 
►M7 __________  ◄ 
►M20  ( 36 ) Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in categories (b), (c) and (i) of the list in Annex 1 of Regulation (EU) No 137 9/ 
2013. ◄ 
►M1 ( 37 ) The exemption applies only for maize for which it is evident e.g. through labelling, destination, that it is intended for use  in a 
wet milling process only (starch production). ◄ ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 35 
►M2 ( 38 ) In the case of canned fish liver, the maximum level applies to the whole edible content of the can. ◄ 
►M3 ( 39 ) The maximum level applies to the food supplements as sold. ◄ 
►M5 ( 40 ) Oilseeds falling under codes CN 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207 and derived products CN 1208; melon seeds fall 
under code ex 1207 99. 
( 41 ) In case derived/processed products thereof are derived/processed solely or almost solely from the tree nuts concerned, the ma ximum 
levels as established for the corresponding tree nuts apply als o to the derived/processed products. In other cases, Article 2(1 ) and 2(2) 
apply for the derived/processed products. ◄ 
►M4 ( 42 ) The maximum level applies to the pure and undiluted extract, obtained whereby 1 kg of extract is obtained from 3 to 4 kg 
liquorice root. ◄ 
►M6 ( 43 ) The maximum level for leaf vegetables does not apply to fresh herbs (falling under Code number 0256000 in Annex I to 
Regulation (EC) No 396/2005). 
( 44 ) This definition excludes the cephalothorax of crustaceans. ◄ 
►M7 ( 45 ) Lower bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the four substances below the limit of 
quantification are zero. 
( 46 ) Meat and meat products that have undergone a heat treatment potentially resulting in formation of PAH, i.e. only grilling and  
barbecuing. 
( 47 ) For the canned product the analysis shall be carried out on the whole content of the can. As regards the maximum level for th e whole 
composite product Art. 2(1)(c) and 2(2) shall apply. ◄ 
►M11  ( 48 ) The maximum level does not apply to food for which it can be proven that the level of melamine higher than 2,5 mg/kg is the 
consequence of authorized use of cyromazine as insecticide. The melamine level shall not exceed the level of cyromazine. ◄ 
►M16  ( 49 ) For the specific cocoa and chocolate products the definitions set out in points A. 2, 3 and 4 of Annex I to Directive 2000/36 /EC 
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 June 2000 relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human 
consumption (OJ L 197, 3.8.2000, p. 19) apply. ◄ ▼B 2006R1881 — EN — 31.07.2015 — 016.001 — 36