EFSA publishes dietary exposure estimates for inorganic arsenic
EFSA has updated its analysis of the occurrence The fact or frequency of something (e.g. a disease or deficiency in a population) happening. of arsenic in food in Europe. The analysis includes around 3,000 data samples on inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic than organic compounds. The Authority’s data specialists have also refined their estimates of chronic dietary exposure For the purposes of risk assessment, measurement of the amount of a substance consumed by a person or animal in their diet that is intentionally added or unintentionally present (e.g. a nutrient, additive or pesticide). to inorganic arsenic using information from the EFSA Food Consumption Database.
The latest analysis gives lower estimates of dietary 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. to inorganic arsenic than those reported by EFSA in 2009. The accuracy of the estimates has been improved by using consumption and occurrence data that were not available in 2009 and a more detailed classification of foods.
There are no recommended maximum levels of arsenic in food at EU level, although some Member States have national guidelines.
Almost 98% of the samples of drinking water collected by EFSA contained amounts of arsenic that were below the limit established at EU level for natural mineral A naturally occurring inorganic element (e.g. calcium, iron) that is needed in the diet for normal growth, development and health. water and water intended for human consumption.
Arsenic is a widely found 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. which occurs both naturally and as a result of human activity. It appears in many forms, which can be either organic – i.e. containing carbon – or inorganic. Food, particularly grain-based processed products such as wheat bread, rice, milk and dairy products, and drinking water are the main sources of exposure for the general population Community of humans, animals or plants from the same species. in Europe.
Long-term intake The amount of a substance (e.g. nutrient or chemical) that is ingested by a person or animal via the diet. of inorganic arsenic has been associated with a range of health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer.