Since 28 June 2020, Regulation (EU) 2020/749 on new maximum levels for chlorate residues in food has come into effect and applies also retroactively to products manufactured or imported into the EU before that date.

Chlorates were formerly used as crop protection agents (total herbicides). For some time now, however, chlorates have not been allowed to be used as pesticides across the EU. Despite this ban, chlorate residues are frequently found in food. The reasons for these findings can be very different.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are secondary plant materials that are mainly formed by certain plants, e.g. Senecio jacobaea, and serve to protect against predators. What protects one may harm another. Thus, certain PA's can damage the liver and should therefore be minimized according to the ALARA principle. A correspondingly increased risk exists, for example, with products such as tea, herbs, spices and food supplements, especially their herbal raw materials.

Tropane alkaloids and ergot alkaloids should also be monitored for the above-mentioned products.

With the new Regulation (EU) 2020/685, perchlorate is now included in the Contaminants Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. Perchlorate is considered a contaminant that can enter the product e.g. via groundwater, irrigation water, certain fertilizers, or the water used in production. Perchlorate can negatively affect human health by inhibiting iodine intake. Maximum levels have been set for the following product groups: fruit and vegetables, tea, herbal and fruit infusions, and certain baby foods. For fruit and vegetables, the maximum levels apply to the edible part.

Drinking water hygiene in buildings and the legal requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) can be a challenge for operators or administrators of a drinking water installation, especially in the case of conspicuous findings. In order to keep abreast of the constantly changing legal requirements, GBA Group offers training in the drinking water ordinance and drinking water hygiene in the housing industry.

ABF Pharmaceutical Services GmbH (part of GBA Group Pharma) is a Viennese company founded in 2004, specializing in all aspects of international clinical trials, including project management, manufacturing, logistics and EU approval of investigational medicinal products, as well as import, storage and logistics for approved pharmaceuticals. ABF has a total area of 2,750 square metres (production and warehouse 1,580 m2 and office 1,170m2). State-of-theart processing facilities offer 1,089 pallet spaces (948 spaces at room temperature/ 141 for cold storage), 5 packaging rooms (primary packaging/ secondary packaging/ cold chain) and a GMP warehouse for investigational medicinal products and commercial goods. In 2016, ABF became a member of GBA Group Pharma, one of Europe's largest and most experienced service groups in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. With its preclinical services, analytical test laboratories and international central laboratory, the company generates annual sales of around 50 million euros.