The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation on a draft scientific opinion about the public health risks associated with perchlorate in food. The consultation is open until February 11, 2025.

Perchlorate is a chemical contaminant introduced into the environment through agricultural and industrial activities. It is used in fertilizers, fireworks, and manufacturing and recycling processes. Previously, Consumer Reports called attention to perchlorate as a chemical found in foods that is used in rocket fuel, as well as missiles, explosives, airbags, and some plastics.

EFSA’s new scientific opinion on perchlorate responds to a request from the European Commission to reevaluate the risks, in light of new data and an updated risk assessment methodology that have become available since EFSA’s last assessment of the chemical in 2014.

In general, EFSA concluded that there are no health risks to the general population at the current levels of exposure. Additionally, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for perchlorate was increased from 0.3 to 1.4 micrograms per kilogram (kg) of bodyweight per day.

The increased TDI reflects the use of a new assessment model that provides greater precision in evaluating the effects of different doses of perchlorate on individuals. The primary health concern associated with perchlorate is its impact on thyroid function, as the chemical can inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid, which is critical to hormone production. This risk is especially important for fetuses and infants.

EU regulations for perchlorate in food were introduced in 2023, which establish maximum levels for perchlorate and other contaminants in the food chain. For example, a maximum level of 0.05 milligrams/kg of perchlorate was set for most fruits and vegetables, with stricter levels established for baby foods and infant formula.