2004 Volume VIII, No. 1NEWS FROM INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES The strict aflatoxin limits set by the EU in 2002 continue to be a major issue in countries that export corn, cottonseed, figs, spices, peanuts, tree nuts, or other agriculture commodities with a high risk of aflatoxin contamination. In developing countries seeking to penetrate European markets with these types of exports, the cost of conforming to the new regulations has led to severe trade losses. In response to growing concern about this issue in the nut industry, the International Tree Nut Council (INC) has implemented a comprehensive strategy for addressing the challenges posed by more rigorous testing. A major arm of this strategy, the Ad Hoc Committee on Mycotoxins, has been established to help provide both producers and importers with a better understanding of the incidence of aflatoxins in various tree nuts and of the complexities involved in managing them.The committee has been has been promoting research on aflatoxin occurrence, agricultural practices, and sampling procedures and engaging industry members, government officials, and researchers in a cooperative approach to testing and regulatory issues.Data collection and analysis are under way to demonstrate the economic impact of increasingly stringent controls. Committee delegates are also contributing to the ongoing development of international standards by the Codex Committee. For further information on the INC Committee visit the following website:www.treenuts.org Or contact Pino Calcagni at the following e-mail address: nicola.richter@unomoc.it |