Regulation 8(a)

[F1SCHEDULE 6SExtraction solvents which may be used during the processing of raw materials, of foodstuffs, of food components or of food ingredients

Table 2: Extraction solvents to be used in compliance with good manufacturing practice for all uses

Name(1)
(1)

An extraction solvent is considered as being used in compliance with good manufacturing practice if its use results only in the presence of residues or derivatives in technically unavoidable quantities presenting no danger to human health.

(2)

The use of Acetone in the refining of olive-pomace oil is forbidden.

Propane
Butane
Ethyl acetate
Ethanol
Carbon dioxide
Acetone(2)
Nitrous Oxide

Table 3: Extraction solvents for which conditions of use are specified

NameConditions of use (summary description of extraction)Maximum residue limits in the extracted foodstuff or food ingredient
(1)

Hexane means a commercial product consisting essentially of acyclic saturated hydrocarbons containing six carbon atoms and distilling between 64 °C and 70 °C. The combined use of Hexane and Ethylmethylketone is forbidden.

(2)

The level of n-Hexane in this solvent should not exceed 50 mg/kg. The combined use of Hexane and Ethylmethylketone is forbidden.

(3)

‘Gelatine’ means natural, soluble protein, gelling or non-gelling, obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen produced from bones, hides and skins, tendons and sinews of animals, in accordance with the relevant requirements of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

(4)

‘Collagen’ means the protein-based product derived from animal bones, hides, skins and tendons manufactured in accordance with the relevant requirements of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

Hexane(1)Production or fractionation of fats and oils and production of cocoa butter1 mg/kg in the fat or oil or cocoa butter
Preparation of defatted protein products and defatted flours10 mg/kg in the food containing the defatted protein products and the defatted flours
30 mg/kg in the defatted soya products as sold to the final consumer
Preparation of defatted cereal germs5 mg/kg in the defatted cereal germs
Methyl acetateDecaffeination of, or removal of irritants and bitterings from coffee and tea20 mg/kg in the coffee or tea
Production of sugar from molasses1mg/kg in the sugar
Ethylmethylketone(2)Fractionation of fats and oils5 mg/kg in the fat or oil
Decaffeination of, or removal of irritants and bitterings from coffee and tea20 mg/kg in the coffee or tea
DichloromethaneDecaffeination of, or removal of irritants and bitterings from coffee and tea2 mg/kg in the roasted coffee and 5 mg/kg in the tea
MethanolFor all uses10 mg/kg
Propan-2-olFor all uses10 mg/kg
Dimethyl etherPreparation of defatted animal protein products including gelatine (3)0.009 mg/kg in the defatted animal protein products including gelatine
Preparation of collagen and collagen derivatives, except gelatine(4)3 mg/kg in the collagen and collagen derivatives, except gelatine

Table 4: Extraction solvents for which conditions of use are specified

NameMaximum residue limits in the foodstuff due to the use of extraction solvents in the preparation of flavourings from natural flavouring materials
Diethyl ether2 mg/kg
Hexane (*)1 mg/kg
Cyclohexane1 mg/kg
Methyl acetate1 mg/kg
Butan-1-ol1 mg/kg
Butan-2-ol1 mg/kg
Ethylmethylketone (*)1 mg/kg
Dichloromethane0.02 mg/kg
Propan-1-ol1 mg/kg
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane0.02 mg/kg
Methanol1.5 mg/kg
Propan-2-ol1 mg/kg
* The combined use of Hexane and Ethylmethylketone is forbidden.]