As part of the European Anti-Cancer Plan, the EU’s latest limit on the content of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) in various foods will take effect this week. For foods such as baby food, spices, wine and salt, the EU will implement stricter or additional maximum lead limits from August 30. Starting on the 31st, some fruits, vegetables, grains and oilseeds will also apply the new maximum cadmium limit. "As part of the European anti-cancer program, we are committed to further reducing the content of carcinogenic ingredients." Lead and cadmium, two heavy metals, are considered toxic and carcinogenic. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides stated that the decision aims to “put consumers first and make our food safer and healthier”.
The introduction of the new lead limit is based on the fact that there is no threshold that can safely exclude the damage caused by lead to human health. In addition, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned that current lead exposure in food may affect the neurodevelopment of fetuses, infants and children. In the past, relatively high levels of lead have been detected in algae, fish, seafood, and food supplements. According to the German Ministry of Environment, although other foods such as cereal products or vegetables have relatively low lead content, the high intake of these foods can also lead to a certain amount of lead intake. In the future, the maximum lead content per kilogram of most salts will be 1.0 mg. Starting from the 2022 harvest season, the lead content per kilogram of wine will be reduced from 0.15 to 0.10 mg.
The introduction of the new limit value for cadmium is based on data collected after the implementation of recommended risk reduction measures in 2014. According to the relevant person in charge of the European Commission, data show that the cadmium content in many foods may be reduced. Like lead, cadmium is toxic and carcinogenic. The main way non-smokers are exposed to cadmium is food. Cereals, vegetables, nuts and legumes, starchy roots or potatoes, etc., as well as meat and meat products contain particularly high cadmium content. Vegetarians are at risk from eating large amounts of these foods. Other vulnerable groups include children, smokers and people living in highly polluted areas.
The European anti-cancer plan was proposed in February 2021. In addition to the new limits, many other measures are planned, such as the European Unio Cancer Screening Program and the European Unio Cancer Center Network. "In 2020, 2.7 million people in the EU will be diagnosed with cancer. Another 1.3 million people will die from cancer, including more than 2,000 young people." The European Commission explained the reasons for the implementation of the 4 billion euro project. If no decisive action is taken, by 2035, cancer cases will increase by about 24%.
According to statistics, the annual economic loss caused by cancer in Europe exceeds 100 billion euros. The European Commission stated that more than 40% of cancer cases can be prevented. The European Anti-Cancer Project aims to reduce the burden of cancer on patients, their families and the health system. http://www.oushinet.com/
