In the context of climate change, prolonged droughts, and increasing pressure on natural resources, Europe faces a new challenge: ensuring a safe and sustainable food production system. More and more food safety experts are warning that monitoring contaminants in water and soil is no longer just an environmental issue — it has become an essential component of the food safety chain.
In recent years, many European countries have begun adopting recycled water for irrigation as a solution to water scarcity. The European Regulation (EU) 2020/741 sets the framework for its use in agriculture, but it also raises a new concern: the potential presence of contaminants that can migrate from soil into plants and, ultimately, into the food we eat. Recent studies have shown that, despite advanced wastewater treatment processes, traces of pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac or carbamazepine, as well as other emerging compounds, may persist in soils and are difficult to detect.
As these substances accumulate, they can be absorbed by plants — particularly by crops that are consumed raw, such as leafy vegetables. Therefore, the risk of contaminant transfer into food products has become a real issue, and both authorities and producers are being pushed to adapt their control methods accordingly.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies now consider systematic monitoring of water and soil to be a critical element of food safety. Increasingly, laboratories across Europe are implementing modern technologies such as High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), which can detect and identify a wide range of contaminants, including those previously unknown. These methods provide a more comprehensive picture of the agricultural environment’s quality and enable a more transparent, science-based risk assessment.
Although these technological advances represent an important step forward, uncertainties remain high. In many cases, contaminants detected in soil or water may come from external sources — such as air, dust, or transportation — complicating the interpretation of results. Therefore, there is an urgent need for European-wide standardization of testing methods, so that data can be compared and integrated into consistent food safety policies.
For the food industry, this shift in perspective calls for a proactive approach to risk management. Food producers must not only comply with regulations but also demonstrate ongoing control throughout the entire supply chain. Today, a brand’s reputation depends not only on the quality of its final products but also on how it manages environmental impact and the safety of its raw materials.
Ultimately, the message is clear: water and soil form the foundation of food safety. Without careful monitoring of these resources, the entire production chain remains vulnerable. Europe now stands at a crossroads where science, technology, and responsibility must work hand in hand to protect public health.
Thus, monitoring contaminants in water and soil is not just a strategic priority — it is a necessity for the future of safe and sustainable food production.
Source: NEW FOOD MAGAZINE