2007, Volume XI, Issue 1News From International AgenciesThe current total aflatoxin level of 4 μg/kg in tree nuts continues to challenge farmers and exporters in nut-growing regions around the globe. Reports of contaminated tree nut shipments from the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) have persisted despite special trade conditions imposed on several exporting countries. Although the threat to trade revenues remains most severe in developing countries such as Turkey and Iran, the costs of rejected shipments are rising in the United States as well. Between 2003 and 2006, the number of rejected California almond shipments rose sevenfold, from5 to 35. In response to a September 2006 inspection report by EU regulators recommending special trade conditions for U.S. almond imports, the Almond Board of California’s Food Quality and Safety Committee (FQSC) has created a Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP).All outgoing lots of participating exporters will be tested and certified in USDA-approved laboratories before shipment to ensure compliance with the highest quality and safety standards. The FQSC is also promoting industrywide HACCP programs and funding research efforts to improve aflatoxin control throughout the production process. |