Decree No. 4 of 1978 of the Ministry of Health on the prevention of detrimental chemical contamination of foodstuffs.

The intention of this Decree is to prevent contamination of raw foodstuffs, ingredients and processed foodstuffs, caused by natural substances, pesticide residues, industrial or other contamination. It also establishes residue limits of toxic elements and substances in order to protect public health. The Decree gives limit values for groups of foodstuffs (e.g. vegetables, fish products, etc.). If the limit value of a substance in a specific foodstuff is regulated in details by another regulation, the specific regulation should be applied. In connection with the application of this Decree, any unauthorized additive is to be considered a harmful chemical contaminant. Foodstuffs exceeding the specified limit values of chemical substance residues or contamination may not be sold on the market. Limit values of radioactive contamination are determined in special regulation. Stocks of contaminated foodstuffs should be stored separately and should be reported to the territorial inspector of public health and epidemics. Marketing and utilization of foodstuffs containing chemical substance residues not specified in any regulation shall be authorized by the Ministry of Health. Annex 1 deals with pesticide residues. Annex 2 deals with industrial contamination (arsenic, lead, mercury, aluminium, etc.). Annex 3 deals with other contaminants such as toxins produced by moulds. Foodstuffs of animal origin may not contain chemical residues used for yield increase and as additives used in stockbreeding. Traceable residues of detergents and disinfectants are also prohibited. Annex 4 deals with limit values of harmful natural substances (solanine, hydrogen cyanide, methylalcohol, nitrate, nitrite).