Attention, Dubai chocolate lovers! Aflatoxin alarm in pistachios exported from Turkey to Europe
High levels of aflatoxin have been detected in pistachios exported from Turkey to Europe. Bulgaria has returned products containing dangerous levels of aflatoxin. The European Commission stated that the detected aflatoxin rates are well above the permitted limits. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the need to increase inspections for food safety. Here are the details.
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The number of products being returned due to the detection of dangerous levels of aflatoxin in pistachios exported from Turkey to Europe is increasing.
Most recently, Bulgaria returned a shipment of pistachios from Turkey during border controls due to high levels of aflatoxin.
RASFF DATA SOUNDS THE ALARM
The European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has announced that Aflatoxin B1, the most dangerous type of aflatoxin capable of causing cancer, has been found in pistachios sent from Turkey to Europe.
The aflatoxin rates detected, which are well above the permitted limits, are noteworthy:
• Aflatoxin B1 Limit: 8 mg/kg (ppm).
• Detected Value: 25.6+/-7.7 mg/kg (ppm) – That is 3.2 times the limit.
The levels reached 28.7+/-7.8 mg/kg, which is approximately three times the 10 mg/kg limit set for total aflatoxin.
MINISTRY STATEMENT AND ALLEGATIONS
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry had previously stated that 100 percent of exported food is inspected and that products not in compliance with regulations are destroyed. However, notifications from Europe have raised questions about the adequacy of these claims.
The Ministry had stated that aflatoxins are extremely dangerous and carcinogenic, adding, "Samples are taken and analyses are performed during export and import controls to protect consumers. Products containing harmful amounts of aflatoxin are not offered for consumption."
WHAT IS AFLATOXIN AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?
Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by mold fungi. Aflatoxin B1, in particular, is known as the most dangerous type, carrying the risk of both causing cancer and altering genetic structure. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union have set strict limits on aflatoxin levels.
IMPORTANT WARNING TO CONSUMERS
Experts state that attention must be paid to the production and storage conditions of nuts such as pistachios. High temperature and humidity, in particular, are among the leading factors that trigger aflatoxin formation.
This situation, which deals a blow to Turkey's exports, once again highlights the need to tighten inspections regarding food safety and compliance with international standards.