EFSA alarm on nitrosamines in food

26.4.2023

Question for written answer  E-001355/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Michèle Rivasi (Verts/ALE), Sarah Wiener (Verts/ALE), Maria Arena (S&D)

On 28th March 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion entitled ‘Risk assessment of N-nitrosamines in food’[1], which raised the alarm about 10 nitrosamine substances, primarily found in many processed and curated meats (ham, sausages, beef burgers, bacon, etc.), which may cause cancer and damage DNA. It concluded that current exposure levels are a ‘health concern’ for people of all ages.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

• 1.As this opinion makes the link between nitrites/nitrates added to processed food as preservatives and the presence of nitrosamines in these foods, is the Commission considering whether current authorisations for E249, E250, E251, E252 as food additives should be amended in order to prioritise the health and safety of people in the EU?
• 2.What is the expected timeline for the discussion and adoption of any measures in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed ?
• 3.What are the next actions that will be taken to improve data collection and risk management measures to reduce the presence of nitrosamines in other processed foods, breast milk and drinking water, as well as in medicines?

Submitted: 26.4.2023

• [1] https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7884.