New furan limits in infant foods: what manufacturers must do in 2026

Key data

Manufacturers of cereal-based infant food have a new limit to comply with from 29 July 2026. Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/915 and introduces maximum limits for the sum of three compounds—furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran—in products intended for infants and young children. The regulation has direct application throughout the EU: it requires no national transposition and is already binding.

The reason is toxicological. These three substances are generated naturally during food heating processes (baking, roasting, sterilization) and pose a risk to the most vulnerable groups: infants and young children, whose diet is largely based on this type of product. The European Commission has decided to act by setting a maximum threshold for the sum of the three compounds together.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which is the general framework for food contaminants. The amendment adds specific maximum limits for the sum of the following substances in affected products:

The limit applies to the total sum of the three compounds, not to each one separately. This is relevant from an analytical perspective: manufacturers must measure and control all three simultaneously.

The affected products are two specific categories:

• Cereal-based foods for infants and young children (porridges, infant cereals, biscuits and similar).
• Infant foods (baby food jars, purées and preparations intended for this age group).

As a European regulation, it has direct effect in all EU Member States. There is no need to wait for any national implementing regulation.

Economic and operational impact

The impact for manufacturers is primarily operational, with direct economic consequences if action is not taken in time. The main cost vectors are:

• Adaptation of production processes: Reducing furan and derivative formation requires reviewing temperature, time and heating method parameters in the production line. This may require equipment investment or recipe reformulation.
• Analytical controls: Manufacturers must implement or strengthen laboratory analysis to measure the sum of the three compounds in each batch. If they do not have internal capacity, they must hire accredited external laboratories.
• Stock management and labeling: Products already manufactured or in distribution that do not meet the new limits may be subject to market withdrawal, with the associated logistical, reputational and economic cost.
• Audits and documentation: Food control authorities in each Member State may require evidence of compliance. Manufacturers must have analytical documentation available.

The risk of not acting is clear: product market withdrawal is the direct consequence indicated in the regulation for non-compliance with the established maximum limits.

Who does it affect?

• Manufacturers of infant cereals (porridges, breakfast cereals for babies, infant biscuits).
• Manufacturers of infant foods (baby food jars, purées, cereal-based preparations).
• Distributors and private label operators that market these products in the EU, regardless of where they are manufactured.
• Importers of cereal-based infant foods from third countries wishing to sell in the European market.
• Quality and food safety managers in companies in the sector, who must update their control protocols.
• Food analysis laboratories that provide services to manufacturers in the sector.

Practical example

A Spanish manufacturer of baby cereal porridges currently has a high-temperature baking process that generates levels of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in its products. Until now, there was no specific maximum limit for the sum of these three compounds in Regulation (EU) 2023/915 applicable to this product category.

With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 on 29 July 2026, that same manufacturer must:

1. Analyze current batches to determine actual levels of the sum of furan + 2-methylfuran + 3-methylfuran.
2. Compare those levels with the new maximum limit established.
3. If levels exceed the limit, review the heating process (temperature, time, method) to reduce the formation of these compounds.
4. If already distributed products do not comply, initiate the market withdrawal protocol to avoid sanctions and liabilities.

This process can involve anywhere from weeks to several months of production adjustment, depending on the complexity of the manufacturing line and the availability of analytical capacity.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current levels: Commission laboratory analysis to measure the sum of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in all affected products. Without own data, it is not possible to know if the new limit is met.
2. Review heating processes: Identify which production parameters (temperature, time, method) contribute most to the formation of these compounds and evaluate technical adjustments.
3. Update the contaminant control plan: Incorporate joint measurement of the three compounds (furan + 2-methylfuran + 3-methylfuran) into quality and food safety control protocols.
4. Review stock in distribution: Check whether products already on the market meet the new limits. If they do not comply, activate the withdrawal protocol before the competent authority does.
5. Document compliance: Keep analytical records by batch available for inspections by food control authorities in each Member State.
6. Inform the supply chain: Communicate the new requirements to raw material suppliers and distributors who may have product stock.

Non-compliance with the established maximum limits may result in market withdrawal of affected products, with the associated economic and reputational impact.

Official source

View complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601890