A modified version of the main regulation was discussed. The major remaining difficulty with the regulation is in the interpretation of the term ‘milkproducts’. It has become apparent that other Member States consider dairy products such as cheese, butter and yoghurt to be included in the regulations, though the UK can only support the inclusion of dried milk powder.

The text of a draft directive laying down the sampling procedures and the methods of analysis was discussed for the first time. This included detailed discussion on the approach to be taken to measuring aflatoxin content in the edible part of a nut.

The documents will be revised by the Commission in the light of comments at the meeting and will be circulated to European organisations over the Summer for comment before the next meeting on 15 September.

A discussion document on ochratoxin A was also presented. The Commission informed the Working Group that the SCF will be considering ochratoxin A at a meeting on 18/19 September. The UK continued to stress that a revised SCF opinion is needed before meaningful discussion can take place.