On March 21, 2025, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed portal (RASFF) reported a significant incident involving the detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in lovage. The contamination was traced back to products originating from Poland. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring compounds that can pose health risks when ingested in significant quantities, particularly through food products.
The incident has been classified under the control category, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight and monitoring in the food supply chain. It falls under the hazard category of bio-contaminants, which underscores the importance of ensuring that food products are free from harmful substances that can affect consumer safety.
Authorities are expected to take appropriate measures to address this issue, ensuring that affected products are identified and removed from the market to protect public health. The detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in lovage serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to food safety and the necessity of vigilant monitoring practices in agricultural and food processing sectors.