2008, Volume XII, Issue 1

News From International Agencies

The CCCF’s discussions on ochratoxin A (OTA) focused on proposed codes of practice for controlling its occurrence in coffee, cocoa, and wine. The Committee voted to postpone consideration of a 5 μg/kg maximum limit for OTA in wheat, barley, and rye pending JEFCA’s June opinion on
OTA consumption.

Responses to the CCFA discussion paper on coffee featured Peru’s recommendations for good agricultural practices (GAP) to minimize OTA contamination in the coffee chain. Recommended practices included selective harvesting to eliminate cherries susceptible to mold infection; prompt,
uniform, uninterrupted drying of harvested cherries; and improved sanitation during processing. Major objections to the paper were raised by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) delegate,who noted its disregard of the significantly reduced OTA levels achieved by the global project Enhancement of Coffee Quality Through the Prevention of Mold Formation, sponsored by the ICO and implemented by the FAO. Among the results of the project is a document entitled “Guidelines for the Prevention of Mold in Coffee” (http://www.coffee-OTA.org). ICO and EU members supported the development of a Codex code of practice, providing the drafting committee relies heavily on the current FAO guidelines to avoid duplicating existing work.

The CCCF discussion paper on cocoa noted that occurrence data collected from 13 European countries, Japan, and Argentina indicate relatively low OTA levels in consumable cocoa products.The paper further emphasized that exposure data reveal these products contribute only a minor percentage of consumers’ total OTA intake, even for individuals who consume above-average amounts. After considering these and other risk assessment data,
the paper’s authors suggested that the issue remain under review. In addition, member states were asked to submit occurrence data collected over a period of several years to reflect seasonal variations. To ensure the reliability and consistency of the survey results, the Committee urged timely adoption of validated test methods by all member states. The Committee also recommended that a standardized sampling plan for cocoa be developed once sufficient data have been collected. A working group chaired by Ghana will update the discussion paper with the new occurrence data and other relevant information.

An amended version of the draft code of practice for wine proposed by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) was approved by the CCCF. The proposed code includes all measures that have been proven to prevent and reduce OTA contamination in wine and addresses every stage of the production chain from cultivation practices, growing techniques, and pest and disease control to harvest and processing practices.The proposed document specifies that the code should apply only to wine-producing regions where OTA contamination is a significant problem. The proposed code of practice can be downloaded at the following address:
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/download/standards/10750/CXP_063e.pdf

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