Food Law News - EU - 1996
3 June 1996: CONTAMINANTS - Mycotoxins - EC Permitted Levels
3 June 1996 - MAFF Letter
Mycotoxins - EC Permitted Levels
The EC Commission has been having discussions for some time with regard to setting limits for mycotoxins for certain foods. The letter reported on continuing discussions, particularly resulting from a meeting on the 28 May 1996 when a revised working document was discussed.
The document assumes “ideal sampling and optimal methods of analysis, to be agreed at a later date” which caused the UK delegation some concern that values were being discussed in isolation from these issues.
- Aflatoxins: levels are being proposed in the working document for groundnuts, cereals, dried fruits and milk. Dried fruits may be listed separately; spices may be added.
- Ochratoxin A: cereals and cereal products and raw coffee are presently listed but this may be modified to cereals, raw coffee and processed coffee.
- Patulin: A limit is proposed for the following apple products - apple juice, cider, puree.
Most Member States appear to favour these controls and do not have the reservations which the UK have with regard to the practical and financial consequences of an excessively regulatory approach. Discussions will continue as the Commission further develops the proposal.
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