- Simple, Sensual and Contemporary
- Water Ways: More with Less?
- New Global Image
- ARB Greenhouse Gas Scoping Plan Passed
- Research Reinforces the NOW – Aflatoxin Link
- ABC Partners with LAHIDAN
- Government Affairs: European Commission Assesses Aflatoxin Controls
- The Stage Is Set for Third-Generation Variety Trials
- Almond Board Election Under Way
FEBRUARY
10 International Committee Meeting 9:30AM 11 PR and Advertising Committee 10:00AM 24 Production Research Committee 9:30AM 26 Almond Board of California Meeting 9:30AM
MARCH
3 Environmental Committee 9:30AM 4 International Committee 9:30AM 10 Food Quality & Safety Committee 1:00PM
Government Affairs
EUROPEAN COMMISSION ASSESSES AFLATOXIN CONTROLS
THE EU’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) mission to assess the almond industry’s aflatoxin controls took place in early January. The team visited five laboratories approved by USDA for aflatoxin analysis in almonds, and several handlers and exporters. Consultations with USDA headquarters and field office representatives focused on industry implementation of HACCP principles, aflatoxin controls, certification and tracking of Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) certificates, and USDA laboratory performance evaluation/management.
A positive evaluation by FVO will be the basis for the European Commission to conclude that there is sufficient confidence in U.S. procedures to justify lifting the mandatory 5% control of VASP certificates arriving in Europe. Other consultations within Europe are taking place within the EU’s Expert Group on Contaminants, which met on January 9 to discuss alignment of aflatoxin levels. Preliminary information is that the EU will align levels with Codex, but will also maintain a B1 limit.
The almond levels anticipated to be recommended for vote by the Standing Committee in February are 10 ppb total (8 ppb B1) for ready-to-eat almonds; for almonds that are labeled to be “further processed,” the anticipated levels are 15 ppb total (12 ppb B1).
While no federal or state regulatory standards for irrigation water exist, recommendations based on California surveys indicate a guidance level of 1000 fecal coliform or 126 generic E. coli per 100 ml of water as an action threshold. If levels exceed this threshold, (1) temporarily increase testing (2) attempt to determine the cause (3) seek professional advice to determine if corrective actions are needed.
