- "A Handful of..." New Advertising Campaign Targets Consumers
- Speak Up
- Cap-and-Trade: What's in it for the Almond Industry?
- Cost-Sharing Funds Available
- New Health Professional Teaching Tools
- Government Affairs: Aflatoxin Controls
- State's Water Issues Get National Exposure
- Foliar Diseases: New Materials Add to Management Choices
February
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4 International Committee 9:30AM -
17 Board Election Ballots Due -
24 PR & Advertising Committee 10:00AM
March
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2 Environmental Committee 9:30AM -
3 Production Research Committee 9:30AM -
9 Food Quality & Safety Committee 9:30AM
Government Affairs
Aflatoxin Controls
Controls for Aflatoxin on Almond Shipments to the EU Will Decline but
Inspections for Food Safety Will Continue
With the new year comes a change to EU import regulations. As previously reported, random controls have taken effect on California Almonds shipped to the EU with a VASP certificate as of Jan. 1. The revised aflatoxin limits are expected to take effect by Mar. 1.
ABC would like to reiterate that EU Member States’ health and import authorities will continue to monitor shipments for other food safety-related issues such as Salmonella, pesticide residues, and others. Recently, apples from the U.S. were rejected in the EU for exceeding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides—even though the levels met U.S. requirements. In 2009, several shipments of California Almonds were rejected for exceeding EU MRLs for Methyl Bromide. In addition to paying special attention to winter sanitation and pest management systems, growers should work closely with their handlers and their Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) regarding pesticide usage. For other questions about MRLs, please email Gabriele Ludwig or call (209)343-3234.
For more information on food safety issues, visit almondboard.com/foodsafety.
- Election: Cast Your Ballot Now
- National Almond Day-Feb. 16
- Lucky Winner
- ABC Web Pages Tackle Important Issues
- Farm Advisor Internships Available
While no federal or state regulatory standards for irrigation water quality 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.
For more information about water issues, visit almondboard.com/waterways.
