eu · contaminant
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
A 400 µg/kg EU limit driven by co-harvested weeds — an emerging focus for Indian cumin.
| Property | Value | Unit | Method | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (sum) | 400 | µg/kg | Cumin and dried herbs | Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants |
What is Pyrrolizidine alkaloids?
A 400 µg/kg EU limit driven by co-harvested weeds — an emerging focus for Indian cumin.
The read
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids enter spices from weeds harvested alongside the crop. The EU limit for cumin and dried herbs is 400 µg/kg. It is an increasing cause of cumin alerts and is best controlled by field weed management and cleaning, then verified by test.
Applies to
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- CBI — Entering the European market for spices and herbs· Tier 2, retrieved 2026-07-16