Update on revision of Acrylamide (reg 2017/2158)

On 25 July, HOTREC met Frans Verstraete (DG SANTE) at the European Commission and sought an update on acrylamide. For background, following a push from the European Parliament and as foreseen by the regulation, a revision of the regulation on acrylamide has to be conducted. The European Commission is consequently looking into revising the current regulation by:

• setting maximum levels of acrylamide by food product covered by R 2017/2158
• applying benchmark levels to new food products, e.g. vegetable crisps.

The European Parliament rejected the first attempt to introduce maximum levels of acrylamide in baby foodstuffs in October 2020 arguing the Commission's proposal wasn't going far enough. EU member states have diverging views on which food products to set maximum levels on.

We relayed HOTREC position and emphasised the importance of maintaining the distinction between categories of food business operators including when it comes to maximum levels. it's unsure yet whether the opt out on sampling and testing for SMEs will be maintained.

Next steps: DG SANTE will hold a stakeholders meeting at the end of this year. We'll continue to advocate and relay HOTREC's position in relevant circles.