Heavy Metals Limits Policy revised

Revision Lead and Heavy Metals Limits (Policy) revised to remove the heavy metals (as Pb) specifications and to replace them with individual tests for relevant heavy metals. 

Heavy Metals Limits (Policy) The Committee on Food Chemicals Codex notes the importance of providing limits for individual heavy metals as required by the source and composition of individual food additives. Thus, it has decided to progressively remove from the monographs the general heavy metals (as lead) limits and test and, based on the current level and availability of scientific information and on the policy stated below, to replace them with limits and tests for specific heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury as may be relevant to each substance. 

The committee recognizes the desirability of lowering exposure to lead and other heavy metals, especially in the case of infants and children. Overall exposure to heavy metals in general, and to lead in particular, is a public health concern. Although diet 

In setting limits for lead and other heavy metals, the committee considers the amount of a food chemical consumed, the feasibility of manufacturing a product within these limits, and the availability of analytical methods to ensure compliance. The constraints of good manufacturing practice and the availability of reliable analytical methods are often limiting factors in setting lower limits for lead and other heavy metals. 

The committee regards as one of its goals the assurance of the safety of properly used food chemicals. This means that FCC specifications will respond to advances in knowledge about new manufacturing methods, analytical techniques, or toxicology and safety issues. 

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