Current Issues
24 August 2010 : New Codex’s MLs for Brazil nuts
Last month (July 2010), Codex Alimentarius Commission decided to set maximum levels (MLs) of 10 mg/kg for aflatoxins in Brazil nuts (shelled, ready-to-eat) and 15 mg/kg for shelled Brazil nuts (intended for further processing). Besides, the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin in Tree Nuts (Additional Measures for Brazil Nuts) was also adopted to prevent and reduce this contamination by providing guidelines for control and manage the contamination. It is described that "aflatoxins" are the most known carcinogenic fungal toxins that can contaminate corn, peanuts and other food crops such as tree nuts under certain conditions. They are produced by many species of Apergillus, a fungus most notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Considering that, aflatoxins are a hazard to human health; MLs in Brazil nut had been discussed in Codex forum for several years. Finally, it came to a consensus of the recommended MLs of total aflatoxins and the code of practice for prevention and reduction of the contamination.
It is expected that the recommended Codex MLs of aflatoxins in the Brazil nut commodities will facilitate international trade. Moreover, the code of practice provides specific measures to prevent aflatoxin contamination in Brazil nut. It covers all stages of the production chain including the collection, handling, storage, transport, processing and distribution. As a result of the efficiency of the code, the presence of aflatoxin in Brazil nut will significantly improve. This will consequently ensure the protection of consumers’ health through minimizing dietary exposure to aflatoxins from Brazil nuts.
Source:
www.wikipedia.com