Perchlorate in food: draft scientific opinion for public consultation

As part of the review, experts have updated the tolerable daily intake An estimate of the amount of a substance in food or drinking water which is not added deliberately (e.g contaminants) and which can be consumed over a lifetime without presenting an appreciable risk to health.  ( TDI The tolerable daily intake (TDI) is an estimate of the amount of a substance in food or drinking water which is not added deliberately (e.g contaminants) and which can be consumed over a lifetime without presenting an appreciable risk to health. ) for perchlorate from 0.3 to 1.4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day. This change reflects the use of a recent model that provides greater precision in evaluating the effects of different doses of perchlorate on individuals.
The primary health concern associated with perchlorate is its impact on thyroid function. It can inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland, which is crucial for hormone production. In foetuses and infants, thyroid hormones are critical for normal growth and development of the central nervous system.

Experts provisionally concluded that at current levels of exposure Concentration or amount of a particular substance that is taken in by an individual, population or ecosystem in a specific frequency over a certain amount of time there are no health risks for the general population Community of humans, animals or plants from the same species.

The consultation will run for 8 weeks to allow for maximum participation among interested parties. The deadline for sending comments is 11 February 2025.

What is perchlorate and how does it end up in food?

Perchlorate is a contaminant Any substance occurring in foodstuffs that was not added intentionally. Contaminants can arise from packaging, food processing and transportation, farming practices or the use of animal medicines. The term does not include contamination from insects or rodents introduced into the environment through agricultural practices, for example through its use in fertilisers. It also results from industrial activities, such as fireworks manufacturing and recycling. When applied on crops, especially leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, perchlorate can accumulate in the plants.

Regulating perchlorate levels in food and water

In 2015 the European Commission issued a Recommendation to monitor perchlorate levels in food and water. Subsequently, a Regulation was introduced in 2023 that established maximum levels for perchlorate and other contaminants in the food chain. For example, a maximum level of 0.05 mg/kg of perchlorate was set for most fruits and vegetables, with stricter levels established for baby foods and infant formulae.