2004 Volume VIII, No. 1REGULATORY NEWS In the summer of 2003, the European Commission introduced stronger measures to control aflatoxin contamination in certain food imports after data from member states revealed that aflatoxin levels in consignments of peanuts from China, pistachios from Iran, and figs, hazelnuts, and pistachios from Turkey continued to exceed legal limits. As a result, these products continued to be closely monitored and also to be subject to additional trade restrictions.To counteract persistent problems with nut imports from Iran, a new decision by the European Commission, effective January 1, 2005, imposes special conditions on imported pistachios and certain products derived from pistachios originating in, or consigned from, that country. Aflatoxin contamination levels in Brazil nuts from Brazil also failed to improve significantly. Random sampling of imported Brazil nuts revealing aflatoxin levels as high as 100 times the legal limit indicated a need for more intensive monitoring of this country’s nut exports. An inspection by EC’s Food and Veterinary Office revealing persistent deficiencies in Brazil’s aflatoxin control measures also raised concern. The resulting special trade conditions imposed by the EU include mandatory certification of consignments by Brazilian authorities, additional controls by importing countries, and designated points of entry. Compliance with the new regulations by Brazil as well as by Turkey and Iran remains under review as Codex evaluates new information. More detailed reports on the new trade conditions can be found on the following website: www.foodlaw.rdg.ac.uk/news/eu-03068.htm |