Food safety & contaminant monitoring

Chlorinated paraffins in food: EU expands monitoring

A new EU recommendation sets investigation thresholds for six food groups. They trigger deeper analysis but are not new maximum levels.

By Kochzauber editorial team · Published · Updated

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Symbolic image: six sealed food samples and analysis vials in a clean food-control laboratory
Symbolic image: six sealed food samples and analysis vials in a clean food-control laboratory

Recommendation (EU) 2026/2335 on chlorinated paraffins in food was published on 22 October 2026. Member States are asked to collect data with food businesses from 2026 to 2029 and submit them to the European Food Safety Authority. The measure establishes monitoring, not new statutory maximum levels.

Why the EU needs more data

Chlorinated paraffins are complex mixtures used in applications including industrial lubricants, plastics and flame retardancy. Some are persistent and can enter the environment and food chain. Comparable occurrence data across food groups and countries remain limited.

In 2020, EFSA concluded that the available data did not permit a robust estimate of total dietary exposure or a complete risk characterisation. Gaps in the toxicological database also prevented the derivation of a health-based guidance value. The new programme is intended to narrow these information gaps.

Six thresholds using two different reporting bases

  • Fish: 100 ng/g on a wet-weight basis.
  • Milk and dairy products: 20 ng/g on a wet-weight basis.
  • Vegetable and animal oils and fats: 1,000 ng/g fat.
  • Other foods of animal origin: 300 ng/g fat.
  • Processed foods constituting complete meals: 50 ng/g on a wet-weight basis.
  • Food for infants and young children: 20 ng/g on a wet-weight basis.

These values are thresholds for further investigation. A result above the threshold does not automatically mean that food breaches a new legal limit or must be recalled. Values reported on wet-weight and fat bases also cannot be compared directly.

How the two-stage procedure works

In the first stage, laboratories should determine the sum of polychlorinated alkanes with chain lengths from C10 to C17. If the relevant threshold is exceeded, the Commission recommends a broader analysis that also covers compounds from C18 to C30. High-resolution mass-spectrometric methods are specified for this second stage.

The approach is pragmatic: wider screening is feasible for more control laboratories, while the demanding analysis is focused on samples of interest. Results are to be submitted using EFSA's standardised description and reporting requirements.

What consumers need to do now – and what they do not

The recommendation does not advise avoiding any of the food groups. Nor does it support a blanket claim that fish, milk, oil, eggs, ready meals or infant food are unsafe. Monitoring first aims to improve knowledge of actual occurrence and exposure.

A varied diet remains the sensible everyday strategy. Kochzauber's recipes by ingredient make it easier to alternate between different staples, while its recipes by meal help plan variety across the week. Any specific recalls or authority warnings would need to be considered separately.

Conclusion

The new EU recommendation is a step towards a stronger evidence base, not a new list of prohibited foods. The thresholds need to be read correctly: they guide deeper laboratory analysis and must not be mistaken for maximum levels or direct consumer warnings.

Sources

Author: Kochzauber editorial team. Updated: 23 October 2026. Monitoring thresholds are not new statutory maximum levels.

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