The EC is preparing another “surprise” for farmers. It proposes setting several new maximum levels for nickel in certain foodstuffs, including cereal grains. – This is a threat to domestic grain production – warns the Polish Association of Grain Producers.
PZPRZ believes that the changes proposed in the draft EC regulation amending Regulation 2023/915 may negatively affect farmers producing cereal crops in Poland.
Ronics have no way to reduce the level of nickel in grain
This bill proposes several new maximum levels of nickel in certain foodstuffs.
– Particularly problematic are the proposed maximum levels of nickel in cereal grains – 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg in corn or oats – 4 mg/kg – points out Marcin Gryn, vice-president of the Polish Association of Cereal Producers.
And adds:
– A review of the literature and conversations with research units clearly indicate that many samples of cereal grain and corn produced in Poland are very close to the limits proposed (maximum levels) in the draft regulation. Additionally, nickel levels in grain may vary between regions and years due to climatic conditions. Farmers cannot reduce the nickel content in the grain they produce, and the presence of this element largely depends on the production area. Currently, there are no techniques available to reduce nickel levels in grains, nor are there quick analysis methods to help determine whether a given sample is above the limit or not.
Disproportionate consequences
The Vice-President of PZPRZ admits that the health and safety of consumers are of the highest importance. However, it considers that, given the above-mentioned considerations and the limited health impact of nickel at the suggested levels, the proposed maximum levels for these three products may imply disproportionate consequences.
– The adopted changes would affect not only cereal producers in Poland, but also food waste and availability in the EU as well as food security in third countries – emphasizes Marcin Gryn.
Therefore, PZPRZ sent a letter to Nina Dobrzyńska, director of the Department of Plant Breeding and Protection at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, asking her to monitor the legislative process in the above-mentioned matter and to take action at the EU level that would lead to an increase in the above-mentioned. maximum nickel levels or to use them as indicative level indicators only, until more data is available from different EU Member States and years.
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