The EU sets revised guidelines for nitrates and nitrites

10 October 2023

In pursuit of utmost food safety within the European Union and as a proactive measure under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the European Commission has established revised guidelines governing the usage of nitrites and nitrates as food additives. The Commission substantially reduced limits not only shield consumers from harmful carcinogenic compounds but also combat pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and Clostridia. Supported by a scientific evaluation conducted by EFSA, these fresh constraints garnered unanimous approval from EU Member States last spring.

“Our citizens expect the peace of mind that comes with safe food to eat, this has always been a cornerstone of my mandate,” Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, overseeing Health and Food Safety, articulated. “By setting new limits for nitrites and nitrates additives in food, we are taking another step in this direction and delivering on another important action under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. I now call on the food industry to swiftly implement these science-based rules, and wherever possible, to reduce them further to protect the health of citizens,” she added.

These stricter limitations have been tailored to accommodate the diverse range of products and manufacturing conditions within the EU. They send a clear signal to both the industry giants and smaller producers, prompting them to address the challenges associated with nitrites and nitrates in EU food products throughout the entire supply chain. Food businesses now have a two-year transition period to conform to these revised standards.

SAFE has always called for stricter nitrate and nitrite limits in food. Reducing nitrates and nitrites is possible, as shown by organic production, which has been doing it for more than a decade.