Toxic and carcinogenic substances detected in pistachios and dried figs exported from Turkey! Sweden and France sent them back

The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has announced that "Aflatoxin B1," a substance harmful to human health, has been detected in dried figs and pistachios sent from Turkey to France and Sweden.

CRITICAL LEVELS OF AFLATOXIN IN DRIED FIGS

According to the RASFF notification dated December 23, while the maximum permitted level of Aflatoxin B1 in dried figs exported from Turkey to France should be 6.0 µg/kg, analyses measured this level at 131 ± 40 µg/kg. Furthermore, the total aflatoxin amount also exceeded the limit of 10.0 µg/kg, reaching a level of 199 ± 44 µg/kg. Following this, France intervened with a serious warning and seized the products.

ISSUE ALSO FOUND IN PISTACHIOS

A similar situation was detected in Sweden. According to RASFF notification number 734683, it was determined that the amount of Aflatoxin B1 in pistachios imported from Turkey was at a level of 56.0 ± 18 µg/kg, whereas the maximum permitted level is 8 µg/kg. Swedish authorities also seized these products with a serious warning.

THE DANGER OF AFLATOXIN B1

Aflatoxins are mold-derived toxins known particularly for their carcinogenic effects. Aflatoxin B1 stands out as the most dangerous type in this group, carrying both cancer risks and the potential to alter genetic structure.

NUMBER OF RETURNED PRODUCTS IS INCREASING

Recently, there has been an observed increase in the number of products exported from Turkey that are denied entry into European countries due to pesticide residues or aflatoxin content. This situation once again highlights the need for stricter oversight of food safety standards.

News Source: 12punto