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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form a class of diverse organic compounds, each of them containing two or more aromatic rings. Hundreds of different compounds may be formed and released during a variety of combustion and pyrolysis processes, including under certain food preparation and cooking conditions, e.g., smoking, grilling and roasting.

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

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 section on Imports.

National legislation

S.I. No. 218 of 2010 as amended (S.I. No. 276 of 2012, S.I. No. 348 of 2012S.I. No. 380 of 2013S.I. No. 143 of 2014, S.I. No. 329 of 2016, S.I. No. 377 of 2017)