Overview of chemical hazards in cereals, seeds and nuts

This report describes the results of a literature review on chemical hazards in cereals, seeds and nuts produced and/or brought on the market in the Netherlands. Based on the literature review, a so-called ‘long list’ of chemical hazards was established: substances that may occur in cereals, seeds and nuts. From this long list, an ‘intermediate list’ of chemical hazards was derived. This intermediate list includes substances that were either frequently found in cereals, seeds and nuts and/or found in concentrations above EU legal limits. The intermediate list will provide the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority with input for prioritizing future monitoring activities. When this list is combined with consumption data and toxicological information, a ‘short list’ of substances can be established: substances that may cause human health risks and as such should be included in the national monitoring program. The established intermediate list in this study is solely based on literature review. It is recommended to evaluate the Dutch monitoring data to confirm or adapt the intermediate list. Toxicological information was provided for the substances on the intermediate list or for substances identified as knowledge gap. Furthermore, trends were evaluated that may influence the presence of chemical hazards in cereals, seeds and nuts.