Spanish authorities detected elevated levels of cadmium – a toxic heavy metal – in a shipment of tomatoes imported from Morocco, though the consignment was released onto the domestic market, Spanish media Horto Info reported.
Border inspections found cadmium concentrations of 0.068 milligrams per kilogram, exceeding the European Union’s maximum permitted level of 0.05 mg/kg. The finding was recorded through the bloc’s food safety alert system following routine checks, according to documents from the European Commission.
Despite the breach, the shipment was allowed to enter the market. Under EU rules, consignments that exceed maximum residue levels may still be released depending on risk assessments and enforcement decisions taken by national authorities.
The EU tightened limits on cadmium in food under Regulation 2021/1323 to reduce health risks linked to long-term exposure. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can enter crops through contaminated soil, irrigation water or phosphate fertilizers and accumulate in edible produce.
The European Food Safety Authority has previously warned that prolonged exposure to cadmium can damage kidneys and weaken bones, setting a tolerable weekly intake of 2.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.