Analysis of Nicotine in Mushrooms
In 2008 high levels of Nicotine were detected in mushrooms at CVUA Sigmaringen (Germany). The eurl-SRM was then consulted and was able to confirm the "strange" findings.
Since then various official and private labs detected many findings in dried mushrooms mainly originating from China. Most affected were dried Boletus (= Ceps =Porcini = Boletus edulis) but also Truffles, Chanterelles and Mu-Err.
In a statement EFSA indicated that many of the mushrooms contained residues exceeding the acute reference dose (ARfD).
Following this, DG-SANCO decided to introduce "Guidelines as regards measures to be taken as regards the presence of nicotine in wild mushrooms".
these measures included
a) the following provisional MRLs:
- Fresh wild mushrooms : 0.04 mg/kg
- Dried wild mushrooms other than Ceps : 1.2 mg/kg
- Dried Ceps (Boletus): 2.3 mg/kg
Mushrooms containing Nicotine levels above these values should be withdrawn from the market and safely disposed of (as a precautionary step)
b) an EU-wide monitoring program for Nicotine in wild mushrooms (imported + domestic).
Below are some links with relevant information:
- Document with background information about this topic as well as information about the joint activities by the CRL-FV and CRL-SRM on the analysis of nicotine in mushroomson: Link to List of Methods
- FINAL REPORT of the Ad-hoc Mini-PT on Nicotine in Mushrooms (2009): Link
- Statement of EFSA on the risks for public health due to the presence of nicotine in wild mushrooms, 7 May 2009: Link
- Guidelines as regards measures to be taken as regards the presence of nicotine in wild mushrooms agreed by the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) on 11 May 2009: Link
Published 29-10-2009, 11:14:08
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