Government Affairs

EU Aligns Aflatoxin Levels with International Levels

On Sept. 28, the EU Standing Committee delivered a favorable opinion that California Almonds shipped to the EU with a Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) certificate will be subject to random controls as opposed to 5% controls. Shipments without a VASP certificate will continue to be subject to 100% controls. The change is anticipated to be effective on Jan. 1, 2010.

In addition, on Oct. 15, the Standing Committee voted to align maximum aflatoxin levels with international standards. The alignment is expected to take effect in February 2010.

The increase in the EU's aflatoxin limits should mean a decrease in European rejections, mitigating the considerable economic impact that has been experienced with the strict standards.

This is good news for the almond industry, but we still must remain diligent in minimizing aflatoxin levels in our shipments—and that means staying vigilant in the orchard. Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus mold is a major concern for the almond industry because of increasingly stringent maximum limits for aflatoxin contamination in key export markets. Navel orangeworm damage in the orchard opens the door for aflatoxin production; therefore, the first line of defense in preventing aflatoxin is to manage NOW in the orchard.

For more information on food safety issues, visit almondboard.com/foodsafety.