Extraction solvents

Extraction solvents are substances used in the production of foodstuffs or food ingredients. They can be used for instance in decaffeination processes or to extract vegetable oils from oilseeds.

Extraction solvents are largely removed from food during production processes. However, they may result in the unintentional, but technically unavoidable, presence of residues in the final foodstuff or food ingredient Any substance deliberately added to a foodstuff which will remain in the finished product, even in an altered form.  

EFSA evaluates the safety of their use, including recommending maximum residue limits (MRL) in food or food ingredients.

Latest

EFSA is currently re-evaluating the safety of hexane as an extraction solvent. The mandate is a follow-up on EFSA’s 2024 Technical Report, which identified the need for a re-evaluation.

EFSA’s role

EFSA provides independent scientific advice on the safety of extraction solvents by:

• Evaluating the safety of new extraction solvents or modifications to authorised extraction solvents submitted by applicants under Directive No 2009/32/EC.
• Responding to ad hoc requests from the European Commission, such as the reassessment of extraction solvents in the light of new scientific information.

EFSA’s work on extraction solvents informs risk managers and their regulatory decisions on the safety of food in the EU. 

EU framework

• Directive 2009/32/EC  lays out the harmonised rules for the authorisation of extraction solvents used in food production in the EU. Its Annex I provides a list of authorised substances and their specific conditions of use, including MRLs.
• EU legislation on extraction solvents – European Commission