Perchlorate occurs naturally in the environment, in deposits of nitrate and potash, and can be formed in the atmosphere and precipitate into soil and groundwater. It also occurs as an environmental contaminant arising from the use of nitrate fertilisers and from the manufacture, use and disposal of ammonium perchlorate used in rocket propellants, explosives, fireworks, flares and air-bag inflators and in other industrial processes. Perchlorate can also be formed during the degradation of sodium hypochlorite used to disinfect water and can contaminate the water supply. Water, soil and fertilisers are considered to be potential sources of perchlorate contamination in food. The perchlorate ion (ClO4¬) is very stable in water, and its salts are highly soluble in water.
Regulatory Information
EU Legislation
Contaminants Framework Regulation: Regulation No. 315/93/EEC, as amended
Maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuff are laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, as amended
Monitoring Recommendation: Commission Recommendation 2015/682
Sampling & Analysis Regulation: Regulation (EC) No. 333/2007, as amended
Increased Control Measures: For potentially applicable emergency measures and temporary increased controls please see the sections on Imports and the section on Exports.
National Legislation
S.I. No. 218 of 2010 as amended (S.I. No. 276 of 2012, S.I. No. 348 of 2012, S.I. No. 380 of 2013, S.I. No. 143 of 2014, S.I. No. 329 of 2016, S.I. No. 377 of 2017)