• On December 3, 2021, the European Commission adopted a Regulation establishing for the first time maximum levels permits for morphine and codeine from poppy seeds intended for the final consumer, but also for bakery products containing poppy seeds and/or products derived from them.
Acute Reference Dose (DAR)
Poppy seeds contain no or only very low levels of opium alkaloids, but may be contaminated with alkaloids as a result of insect damage or external contamination of the seed during harvest when dust particles from the straw (including the capsule wall) they stick to the seeds.
The decision of the European Commission is based on the scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which sets an acute reference dose (ADR) for opium alkaloids (morphine and codeine) of 10 µg morphine/kg body weight.
Following these conclusions, it was decided to amend Regulation (EC) no. 1881/2006. Thus, in section 8 of the annex to Regulation (EC) no. 1881/2006, the following heading 8.5 is added, meaning that for whole or ground poppy seeds, placed on the market for the final consumer, the maximum level allowed for opium alkaloids will be 20 mg/kg, while for bakery products containing poppy seeds and/or products derived from them, the maximum level allowed will be 1,5 mg/kg.
The need to establish maximum levels allowed
In EFSA's opinion, the need to set maximum levels for these types of alkaloids is justified because when large amounts or several foods containing unprocessed poppy seeds are consumed, it is possible to exceed the acute reference dose.
As it is appropriate for the manufacturer in the bakery industry to have detailed information, including the equivalent morphine content, of the poppy seeds used as ingredients in his products, the supplier of poppy seeds must make this information available to the manufacturer.
Prevention and reduction of opium alkaloids
Good practices for the prevention and reduction of opium alkaloid content established in Regulation (EC) no. 1881/2006, following which the economic operators involved in the profile industry will also apply the new legislative requirements regarding the maximum levels of morphine and codeine allowed in poppy seeds.
Regulation (EU) 2021 / 2142 applies from 1 July 2022
European Commission Regulation it applies from July 1, 2022, but, in order to help the economic operators directly involved and to give them the necessary time to implement the new legislative provisions, food products placed on the market before the application of this regulation can be marketed until the date of their minimum durability or until the expiry date.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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