![EU Commission Brussels](/images/pix/others/EU_commission_250x200_orange.jpg)
2023 will be another record-breaking “regulatory year”
Do you remember 2021? In that year, we reported in AGROLAB RADAR on a total of 20 EU regulations concerning changes in maximum residue limits for plant protection products in the fruit and vegetable sector.
![Fertilizer](/images/pix/Agrar/Fertilizer_tractor_250.jpg)
Fruit and Vegetables: Approval for pesticide actives extended
The validity period for the approval for 50 active substances has been extended by one year due to the delay in the re-evaluation following the application for renewal of the approval. We list the organic active ingredients only.
![Obst](/images/pix/Agrar/Pestizide_Pixabay_250.jpg)
Change of Maximum Residue Level (MRL)
Up-to-date information on changes to MRLs for fruit and vegetables will be compiled here following their publication. However, we do not announce any EU projects of this kind.
![Stop](/images/pix/others/Stop-sign_250.jpg)
No further authorisation for Benfluralin
The authorisation for the herbicide Benfluralin will no longer be renewed. It had last been extended until 28.2.2023.
![Figs](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Feigen_trocken_frisch_250x200.jpg)
Mycotoxin contamination in dried figs
The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) in Sigmaringen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany) has been regularly testing dried fruit for 5 years. So far, a total of 64 samples of dried figs have been tested for mycotoxins (aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A and Alternaria toxins).
![Alarm](/images/Symbole/Illustration_Alarm_250.jpg)
Alert notices from RASFF concerning food (except for fruit & vegetables - see special section)
In this section we repeated alert notices from the RASFF system of the European commission issued in the previous month, which we thought to be noteworthy and of interest to our clients.
![dry aged meat](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Dry-aged-meat_250x200.jpg)
Aged meat not riskier than fresh meat
Meat ageing is used either by dry or wet processing to break down the connective tissue, aiming in tenderising and giving the product a richer flavour.
![Radar](/images/pix/Image-Pix/AGROLAB-RADAR_250.jpg)
Short notes - Kurz notiert (02/23)
Get curious with informative food industry headlines from all over Europe - in many languages ...
The food notes are about trace element selenium, wheat intolerance, colourful tomatoes and some more news.
![](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Tierisches_Protein_fisch-ei-fleisch_250.jpg)
PFAS testing started at AGROLAB
As of 1.1.2023, maximum levels for PFAS in certain foodstuffs of animal origin will apply. AGROLAB LUFA GmbH has expanded its range of tests to include the accredited determination of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
![Arsenfläschchen](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Arsen_250x200.jpg)
Arsenic determination: We meet the new specifications
Of course, we meet the revised performance criteria according to the new Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2418 concerning methods of analysis for the control of the levels of trace elements and process contaminants in foodstuffs, which came into force on 1.1.2023..
![RASFF](/images/Symbole/Illustration_RASFF_250.jpg)
Current postings on the European Rapid Alert System (RASFF)
Here you find a retrospective monthly summary of relevant notifications about MRLs exceeded reported in the European Rapid Alert System (RASFF). Via this link you can download a table from the European Rapid alert system (RASFF) with important notifications from product category fruit & vegetables.
![Analytics](/images/Symbole/Illustration_Analytik_250.jpg)
Fruit and vegetables: Current residue report from AGROLAB laboratories
Here we present a retrospective monthly summary of remarkable results from the residue analysis in fruit & vegetable performed in our own laboratories. Critical results with respect to max. residue level (MRL) utilization (December 2022).
![](/images/logo/Lebensmittel-Analytik_QS-Pruefzeichen_250.jpg)
QS Residue Monitoring Fruit & Vegetables 2023
Just before the end of the year, QS GmbH presented the new residue monitoring plan for the examination of fruit, vegetables and potatoes. Methodological developments in analytics were also taken into account.
![Bauchschmerzen](/images/pix/others/Bauchschmerzen_250x200.jpg)
Pathogenic bacteria in minced meat, packaged salads and ready-to-bake pastries
In its current report on food monitoring, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety points out particular risks of microbial contamination.
![Alarm](/images/Symbole/Illustration_Alarm_250.jpg)
Alert notices from RASFF concerning food (except for fruit & vegetables - see special section)
In this section we repeated alert notices from the RASFF system of the European commission issued in the previous month, which we thought to be noteworthy and of interest to our clients.
![Fries](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Oliven_schwarz_250x200.jpg)
Acrylamide in vegetable chips and blackened olives
Acrylamide is classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic. It is formed as an undesirable reaction product in foods containing carbohydrates and proteins, such as those encountered during baking, roasting and deep-frying, at high temperatures.
![Smoked Salmon](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Aprikosen_getr_250x200.jpg)
Sulfites in food - beware of high consumption
People who eat too many products containing the approved additives sulfur dioxide (E220) or sulfites (E221-228) could face an increased health risk. This was the result of a re-evaluation by EFSA experts.
![](/images/pix/Lebensmittel/Fruit_stand_250.jpg)
Testing of chlorates, perchlorates and maleic acid hydrazide at AGROLAB Poland
The Instrumental Analysis Laboratory of AGROLAB Polska has again extended the list of plant protection product residues within the flexible range.
![Pokal](/images/pix/others/Award-auszeichnung_250.jpg)
AGROLAB awarded for excellent price-performance ratio
DEUTSCHLAND TEST examined around 19,000 companies and brands from July 2021 to June 2022. 1400 companies received awards.
AGROLAB is one of the companies honoured in the "Laboratory Companies" sector (to be read in Focus 45/22).
![RASFF](/images/Symbole/Illustration_RASFF_250.jpg)
Current postings on the European Rapid Alert System (RASFF)
Here you find a retrospective monthly summary of relevant notifications about MRLs exceeded reported in the European Rapid Alert System (RASFF).
![Analytics](/images/Symbole/Illustration_Analytik_250.jpg)
Fruit and vegetables: Current residue report from AGROLAB laboratories
Here we present a retrospective monthly summary of remarkable results from the residue analysis in fruit & vegetable performed in our own laboratories.