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EFSA's latest s updates the safe thresholds for total fluoride intake and warns of potential risks in vulnerable populations when high exposure is considered.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently published its updated scientific opinion on the health risks of orally ingested fluoride, evaluating food, drinking water, supplements, and dental products. This study represents an important milestone for the agri-food and water control sectors, establishing new safety levels based on the most recent toxicological data.
Fluoride can be present in processed foods, mineral waters, fluoridated salts, and even children's drinks or supplements. EFSA proposes a safe total intake of 3.3 mg/day for adults, children over 8 years of age, and pregnant women. This value is based on avoiding adverse effects on fetal brain development. For children under 8 years of age, priority is given to preventing dental fluorosis, with lower daily limits: from 1.0 mg/day for infants to 2.0 mg/day for children 4–8 years of age. Finally, EFSA concludes that the current legal limit for fluoride in drinking water (1.5 mg/L) does not guarantee adequate protection for the entire population.
This new scientific evidence opens the door to potential legal reviews and increased pressure to demonstrate compliance and accountability to consumers.
YOUR PLUS: AGROLAB is at your side to help you comply with the highest food and environmental safety standards.
In the AGROLAB GROUP laboratories, we offer a comprehensive fluoride analysis service, in compliance with European regulations, tailored to the needs of food producers, processors, and distributors, as well as operators in the water sector.
Author: Dra. Isabel Gómez, AGROLAB Ibérica S.L.U.
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