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2.1.4. Inspection of contaminants

In 2004, a total of 5458 samples were taken to check the content of contaminants in foodstuffs; out of this number 195 samples (3.57%) were non-complying. The samples were subjected to 98754 analyses, 370 analyses gave unsatisfactory results. The greatest number of analyses was conducted in the group of pesticides, then in colourings, preservatives and in particular in mycotoxins.

In order to determine the pesticide residues, 941 samples of foodstuffs were taken and subjected to 76609 analyses. 16 samples (21 analyses) were found to exceed the limits for pesticide residues. The non-complying foodstuffs mainly included honey samples (13 non-complying analyses, mainly presence of antibiotics) and pod vegetables. These samples were proved to exceed the limits for streptomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and endosulfan.

In the group of colourings, 41 analyses out of the total number of 9094 performed analyses (714 samples) gave unsatisfactory results; this particularly applied to processed fruit, confectionery products, ice-creams, table and quality wines. In non-complying foodstuffs either un-permitted synthetic colourings or the limit-exceeding amounts of colourings were found. The failures mainly concerned azorubin, SY yellow, ponceau 4R and tartrazine.

A suphur dioxide, sorbic acid and benzoic acid were the most frequently checked analytes from the group of preservatives. In the group of preservatives a total of 3836 analyses were carried out (on 1288 samples) out of which 77 gave unsatisfactory results.

From the group of sweeteners aspartame, acesulfam K and sorbit were the most frequently checked analytes (a total of 210 analyses were conducted out of which 11 failed). Failures were mainly found in coffee, jams and liqueurs.

Within the group of other additives, including for example chlorides, sulphates, acetates, glutamates, quinine or caffeine, 404 analyses of foodstuffs were conducted. They gave a total of 15 unsatisfactory results; most frequently it was due to limit-exceeding amounts of salt.

During the determination of chemical elements 48 analyses (on 39 samples) out of the total of 1594 analyses of foodstuffs gave unsatisfactory results due to exceeding of or failing to comply with declared values. The failures mainly concerned limit-exceeding content of cadmium, arsenic and phosphorus. The commodities in which unsatisfactory findings were confirmed were poppy seeds, rice and fruit spreads.

The total of 1112 analyses of foodstuffs (on 157 samples) were carried out to determine the content of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). No results confirmed the limit-exceeding content of these substances.

In order to determine the content of phthalates, a total of 176 samples of foodstuffs were taken. Out of 332 analyses 4 analyses gave unsatisfactory results.

In the group of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxines (PCDD) no unsatisfactory sample was found in the total of 858 conducted analyses.

In the group of aromatic hydrocarbons (non-chlorinated, chlorinated, with an aliphatic chain) 6 unsatisfactory results were acquired out of the total of 918 analyses. The failures mainly concerned 1,3-pentadiene and styrene in flavoured soda waters and flavoured mineral waters.

In the framework of determining other organic contaminants, a total of 674 analyses were  conducted out of which only 4 gave unsatisfactory results.

The highest share of unsatisfactory analyses was registered within mycotoxin inspections where out of a total number of 2446 conducted analyses 134 gave unsatisfactory results, mainly in case of treated fruit, tropical fruit, pistachios, peanuts and sweet almonds. The limit-exceeding amounts of aflatoxin B1 (64 analyses) and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 (70 analyses) were found in non-complying foodstuffs.

In the group of analytes – amines and nitrosamines – no limit-exceeding values were identified. In the group of other natural toxins which included, for example, ethylcarbamates, enterotoxins or staphylococcus enterotoxins, a total of 175 analyses were conducted out of which 2 gave unsatisfactory results.

In the group of nitrites and nitrates 201 analyses were performed out of which 5 gave unsatisfactory results (in root vegetables).

Newly, the detection of treatment with ionizing radiation was carried out on samples of spice, herb teas and diet supplements.

Another CAFIA activity was monitoring carried out within the Radiation Monitoring Network (RMN).

Table 2.1.4.1 - Summary of contaminants inspections

Table 2.1.4.2. - Summary of mycotoxins inspections

Table 2.1.4.3 - Summary of pesticide residues inspections

Chart 2.1.4. Summary of contaminants inspections – share of results out of the total of unsatisfactory results