What is going on?

In Europe, various herbs are grown, imported, and processed for food consumption and medicinal applications. Since 2015, European standards for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dried herbs have been in force. Since then, it has unexpectedly become clear that various herbs, including those from Europe, contain PAHs in concentrations above the EU-established maximum levels for PAHs in dried herbs. To comply with the standards, it is important to determine the cause of the PAH levels.

What is the project doing about it?

The current research aims to determine the origin of PAHs in dried herbs and to formulate possible (content-reducing) measures and advice that companies active in the herb sector can use to continue delivering products that meet the applicable standards.

What does the project deliver?

• Chain analysis of the presence of PAHs in herbs
• Insight into the transfer of PAHs from soil to herbs based on experimental research
• Understanding of the substantiation and applicability of EU standards
• Advice on content-reducing measures to ensure products can (continue to) comply with the applicable standards

Project information

Applied Research Group/researcher: Dairy Process Technology / Marije Strikwold
Project duration: 2018 - 2019
Project partners: VNK Herbs, NPN, EUROPAM, and VHL.