The European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on 25 April 2023, which overhauled rules on maximum contaminant levels, including heavy metals, in food. This regulation replaced the previous standard (EC 1881/2006) and has been legally binding since 25 May 2023.
Among its requirements, the regulation sets significantly lower limits for lead (0.020 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.040 mg/kg) in baby food and processed cereal‑based foods intended for infants and young children, EUR-Lex.
These stricter limits reflect growing concern over chronic exposure risks in vulnerable populations. Although businesses had transitional grace periods, all operators should now be fully compliant with the new limits and controls.
What the Updated Requirements Involve
— Lower Maximum Levels
New thresholds have been set for lead and cadmium in various baby food categories, including cereals and purees.
— Supplier Controls and Documentation
Food businesses must collect documented proof that incoming ingredients meet regulatory limits before using them in production.
— Consistent Testing and Verification
Testing for contaminants at both raw material intake and finished product stages is essential to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
Audit-Based Reflections on Readiness
Audits verify legal compliance and reflect organisational rigour in managing risks to vulnerable consumers.
✅ Supplier Certification Review — Confirm contaminant testing documentation for lead and cadmium.
✅ Verification Protocols — Check internal testing procedures and batch-level validation.
✅ Non-Conformity Management Records — Review corrective actions when thresholds were exceeded.
✅ Traceability Assessment — Confirm ability to identify and withdraw affected lots efficiently.
Certima’s Mission
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable tool for businesses looking to evaluate their fraud prevention strategies and supply chain integrity.
Are you fully compliant with the current EU limits on heavy metals in infant products? We welcome your experiences and questions in the comments.