impurity
Any foreign body present in a food or feed which may arise due to errors in manufacturing, storage or transportation
EFSA evaluates health risks linked to a wide range of impurities, such as heavy metals (for example lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic), process contaminants formed during cooking or manufacturing (for example acrylamide and furan), environmental pollutants, and chemicals that may migrate from food contact materials. To support these assessments, EFSA collects and analyses occurrence data from EU Member States, helping to identify trends and assess the effectiveness of control measures. The resulting scientific opinions inform EU risk managers in setting maximum levels and regulatory measures, thereby ensuring a high level of food safety for consumers.