INC Analysis on Aflatoxin data for the discussion paper on maximum levels for total aflatoxins in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios

The INC has recently released the document “Analysis on Aflatoxin data for the discussion paper on maximum levels for total Aflatoxins in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios” for the Electronic Working Group led by the European Union, as agreed in the 1st Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods in Beijing, China, 16-20 April 2007. This document gathers the analysis from a vast amount of aflatoxin tests (19.461 analyses), covering both accepted and rejected consignments, from private companies, laboratories, origin suppliers, importers and official laboratories from June 2006 until October 2007.

The results have been analyzed in order to draw conclusions on the different maximum aflatoxin levels and will be presented and discussed at the 2nd Session of the Codex Committee to be held in The Hague, The Netherlands, 31 March to 4 April 2008.

The document also includes some information about Brazil nuts even if not required, but pertinent to the parallel Discussion Paper.

This analysis has been completed with the large collaboration of the members of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee.

Abstract:

Despite the enormous efforts led by the industry in the last 15 years (sorting equipment, GAP, GMP, analytical controls…), it is not possible to meet the current very low regulatory aflatoxin limits of 2ppb and 4 ppb. Research has shown that the continuing and unavoidable rejections are due to factors that cannot be controlled, such as the adverse climatic conditions or the substrate suitability. Evidence is provided from the industry to substantiate that it is not possible to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of these nuts at Aflatoxin levels below 10 ppb total. In addition EFSA and JEFCA have concluded that increasing limits from 2 to 10, 15 or 20 ppb in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios does not result on a significant increase in risk exposure. Furthermore, the socio economic impact of existing regulatory measures affects a crucial segment of the population in the producing countries and primarily the rural population, such as the Amazonian, whose livelihood depends most on this industry.

By averaging results instead of taking multiple individual samples, rejections would be reduced by 40 percent in the case of almonds. Increasing limits to 10 ppb for the average of the 3 sub-samples would allow 53 percent of currently rejected almond lots in the EU. The industry can also demonstrate that it can efficiently screen out contaminated nuts.

The industry recommends increasing existing maximum total aflatoxin limits to 15 ppb for goods for further processing and 10 ppb for consumer ready goods.

US nut production up 20 percent in 2007, value up 5 percent

US nut production has increased 20 percent in 2007, according to a preliminary report released by the US Department of Agriculture. The value has climbed 5 percent from 2006.

According to USDA, tree nut production for crop year 2007 is estimated at 1,92 million tons (in shell basis). Production of almonds, pistachios and pecans pushed total availability.

Almond growers harvested 1,17 million tons, up 22 percent from 2006. The crop was valued at 2,32 billion dollars, 3 percent above the previous year.

Pistachio producers harvested 205.000 tons, 72 percent higher than in 2006, due to pistachio's alternate bearing habit. The crop was valued at 549 million dollars, 22 percent above the previous year.

Pecan production totaled 174.600 tons, a 69 percent increase from 2006. Pecans were valued at 376 million dollars, 17 percent above the previous year.

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China's new food labelling standards

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FDA 2007 inspection manual

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