By means of Regulation (EU) 2026/840, the European Commission has revised the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for copper compounds in a wide range of products.
For certain products, the MRLs have been raised to better reflect the copper levels observed in practice. For example, the MRL for the group ‘buckwheat and other pseudocereals’ – and thus also for chia seeds – has been raised from 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg. For herbs such as rosemary or thyme, the MRL has risen from 20 mg/kg to 150 mg/kg.
For other products, including, for example, citrus fruits, carrots, sunflower seeds, wheat, tea and coffee, the EFSA had, by contrast, recommended a reduction in the existing MRLs. However, as several Member States and stakeholders saw a need for further monitoring, the existing levels have been retained unchanged for the time being.
Further monitoring data may be submitted by 30 June 2028. On this basis, the relevant MRLs are to be reviewed again and, where necessary, adjusted.
The full text of Regulation (EU) 2026/840 can be found here:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202600840
