Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) en relación a la seguridad del uso de una solución acuosa de peróxido de hidrógeno, ácido acético y ácido peracético (23/17/15) como coadyuvante tecnológico para la desinfección bacteriana del agua de lavado de lechugas y zanahorias cortadas, ajos pelados, boniatos, caquis, mangos y aguacates en las plantas de procesado

Resumen

The company Productos Citrosol S.A. has requested a safety assessment on the use of an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (23 %), acetic acid (17 %) and peracetic acid (15 %) as a processing aid. As stabilisers, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) (<0.2 %) and dipicolinic acid (DPA) (≤0.01 %) are included in the solution. The proposed use of the processing aid is the bacterial disinfection of the washing water used for cut carrots and lettuces, peeled garlic, sweet potatoes, persimmons, mangoes and avocados in processing plants. By disinfecting the washing water, it can be employed for the consecutive washing of fruits and vegetables through a recirculation system, keeping the water in suitable conditions and reducing water consumption. The dosages requested are 0.07 % for cut carrots and lettuces, 0.13 % for peeled garlic, 0.27 % for sweet potatoes and avocados, and 0.20 % for persimmons and mangoes. Considering the worst-case scenario for the presence of residue and the consumption of lettuces, carrots, garlic, sweet potatoes, persimmons, mangoes and avocados in Europe, a daily intake has been estimated for the possible residue together with a consumer risk assessment, by calculating the “margin of safety” (MOS). The Scientific Committee concludes that, based on the information provided by the applicant and taking into account the proposed composition and conditions of use, the use of the processing aid does not involve a health risk for the consumer.