Frozen peas make our lives easier because they are healthy and can be prepared very quickly. Whether in a soup, as a side dish or in a casserole - nothing can go wrong with frozen peas. But in addition to the easy preparation and quick availability, the taste and, above all, the safety with regard to contamination and residues are of great importance.
In a recent test, 21 products, both organic and conventional, were analyzed. No synthetic pesticides were detected in the organic products, and only very small quantities of pesticides were detected in the conventional products and thus below the legal maximum quantities.
Foodstuffs such as frozen peas are checked by the competent authorities as part of food inspections. In addition, the manufacturers and distributors of food are responsible for the safety of the products and are obliged to ensure the safety of their products through their own controls. If maximum residue levels are exceeded, the product will be objected to and may not be placed on the market or must be recalled.
Small amounts of chlorate residues, however below the legal limit, were detected in five tested products. Chlorate is the salts of chloric acid and is released as a by-product from the use of disinfectants and drinking water treatment, so residues of chlorate can occur in food. Chlorate can inhibit iodine absorption and thus lead to health effects, especially in people with thyroid disorders.
According to Regulation (EU) 2020/749 , a maximum residue level of 0.35 mg/kg applies to peas
The products were also tested for the heavy metals lead and cadmium, as these are often found in vegetables. They are naturally in the environment or get into it through industrial processes. In the products tested above, cadmium was not detected in any sample, but small traces of lead in more than half of the samples. The legal limits, which were tightened in August 2021, were not exceeded in any sample.
According to Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 , the maximum content of cadmium in peas is 0.020 mg/kg and according to Regulation (EU) 2021/1317 for lead of 0.10 mg/kg.
bilacon supports you to ensure that future tests are also positive and that no maximum levels are exceeded in your own controls or official controls.
We analyze your frozen peas with the latest laboratory technology for legally applicable maximum residue levels and advise you on your quality management.
Roy Sperling
roy.sperling@tentamus.com
+49 (0) 30 206 038 320
Source: Ökotest
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