The European Parliament strongly opposed on Wednesday 7 October the maximum level proposed by the Commission for acrylamide, a highly toxic contaminant, in certain foods for infants and young children.
In the name of the precautionary principle, MEPs considered the levels for ‘biscuits and rusks for infants and young children’ (150 µg/kg, which corresponds to the current reference level) and for ‘baby foods, processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children, excluding biscuits and rusks’ (50 µg/kg, which is 10 µg/kg higher than the current reference level of 40 µg/kg).
They argue that acrylamide increases the risk of cancer in all age groups and that children are particularly vulnerable due to their low body weight (see EUROPE 12570/13).
Their objection to the draft Commission regulation (amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006) was adopted by 469 votes (137 against and 90 abstentions).
MEPs call on the Commission to lower these maximum levels. They also stress that biscuits and rusks which are not specifically produced for infants and young children, but which are often given to them, should also be subject to the same stricter requirements.
The Commission is now required to revise its text or withdraw its proposal. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)