Maximum aflatoxin levels for nuts and oilseeds considered
The Codex Alimentarius Commission is set to adopt a proposal setting maximum levels for total aflatoxins in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios (10 µg/kg for ‘ready to eat’ and 15 µg/kg for ‘further processing’) reports Grain and Feed trade Organisation in Gaftaworld.
The EU is also expected to adopt the proposal, however Commission discussions are taking place on the possible extensions of the proposal to all nuts and on whether a separate limit for aflatoxin B1 is still required should codex limits for total aflatoxins be adopted.
It is likely that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will issue an opinion on these two issues to ensure that any measures taken do not compromise consumer safety.
The European Commission has expressed the need to set aflatoxin limits for all oilseeds aligning them with the current limits for peanuts (2 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 4 µg/kg for total aflatoxin) following EFSA’s statement that they may be an important contributor to total exposure.
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