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 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 (para.66).

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