Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 aims to safeguard public health by prohibiting the sale of foods within the European Union that contain unacceptable levels of contaminants. 

Contaminants in this context are usually residual substances present in food due to post-production treatment or environmental contamination. The regulation mandates that contaminant levels be kept as low as possible and establishes toxicologically acceptable limits. It excludes matters covered by more specific rules and extraneous substances, such as insect fragments or animal hair. 

EU Member States can impose restrictive measures if they believe a contaminant poses a health risk, provided they immediately inform other Member States and the European Commission, offering justification for their actions. The Commission is required to promptly review the justifications and, after consulting the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food, and Feed, take appropriate measures as needed. This committee aids the Commission in establishing authorised maximum tolerances for contaminants. 

The regulation mandates the setting of maximum levels for certain contaminants to protect public health, and Member States are not permitted to restrict trade in foods that comply with these set limits.

Related regulations:

• Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food