2004 Volume VIII, No. 1REGULATORY NEWS Maximum limits for aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, and patulin were discussed at the 35th and 36th sessions of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. Based on a recommendation proposed by the Iranian delegation and supported by a number of other delegations, the committee agreed to draft a proposal setting the maximum level of aflatoxins for unprocessed and processed almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios at 15 µg/kg (total aflatoxins). The proposal would be circulated for comments and consideration at the next meeting (the 37th session, March 2005).According to members of the International Tree Nut Council (INC), the rejection of 574 consignments in the Europe Union between 1998 and 2002 costs the tree nut industry an estimated 4.5 million USD. With a maximum level of 15 µg/kg for total aflatoxins, 44% of these tree nut rejections would have been avoided. A maximum level of 50 µg/kg was proposed for patulin in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages. That level may be lowered to 25 µg/kg after the implementation of the Codex code of practice for the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages. The same code of practice, originally developed by the UK and the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), has also been adopted by the European Commission. The need to continue to collect data on the levels of patulin in these matrices was noted. The Codex discussions on deoxynivalenol (DON) maximum limits in consumer cereal products led to the proposal of the following maximum levels: (1) 2, 000 µg/kg in raw cereal grains subject to processing before human consumption or use in foodstuffs, (2) 500 µg/kg for all cereal derived products for human consumption except those intended for infants, and (3) 100 µg/kg in foods for infants. Detailed reports on the 35th and 36th sessions of the Committee are available on the Codex website: www.codexalimentarius.net/reports.asp |