Maximum levels of ochratoxin A
- Contaminants
Summary
On 8 August 2022, the European Commission published a Regulation introducing maximum levels for ochratoxin A on dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, certain liquorice products, dried herbs, certain ingredients for herbal infusions, certain oilseeds, pistachio nuts and cocoa powder, non-alcoholic malt beverages and date syrup. It also proposes to lower the maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruit, roasted coffee and soluble coffee.
New ochratoxin A maximum levels on certain dried fruits, liquorice, herbs, herbal infusions, oilseeds, nuts, cocoa powder, non-alcoholic malt beverages and date syrup from 1 January
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1370 of 5 August 2022 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of ochratoxin A in certain foodstuffs
Update
On 8 August 2022, the European Commission published a Regulation introducing maximum levels for ochratoxin A on dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, certain liquorice products, dried herbs, certain ingredients for herbal infusions, certain oilseeds, pistachio nuts and cocoa powder, non-alcoholic malt beverages and date syrup. It also proposes to lower the maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruit, roasted coffee and soluble coffee.
Impacted Products
dried fruit, liquorice products, dried herbs, herbal infusions, oilseeds, pistachio nuts, cocoa powder, non-alcoholic malt beverages, date syrup
What is changing?
Table 1 will replace the existing entry for ochratoxin A in Regulation 1881/2006 (subsequently replaced by Regulation (EU) 2023/915). Changes are highlighted.
Why?
In 2020 EFSA updated its scientific advice on ochr) Because significant levels of ochratoxin A have been found in foods other than those already regulated, the Commission proposes to introduce maximum levels for these foods.consumer groups. Ochratoxin A maximum levels have already been established for certain foods under Regulation 1881/2006
(subsequently replaced by Regulation (EU) 2023/915). Because significant levels of ochratoxin A have been found in foods other than those already regulated, the Commission proposes to introduce maximum levels for these foods.
Timeline
Date of publication: 8 August 2022.
Date of application: 1 January 2023.
Products lawfully placed on the market before 1 January 2023 may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or use-by date (even if they exceed the new maximum levels).
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
EU imports are regularly tested for the presence of ochratoxin A. In the first 8 months of 2022, exceedances of maximum ochratoxin A levels were reported 33 times, most commonly in relation to dried fruit, flour and rice.
Recommended Actions
Exporters of products covered by this Regulation must review their current storage and inspection procedures in anticipation of of the new levels entering into force on 1 January 2023. The EU will undertake systematic controls of imported consignments for the presence of ochratoxin A.
Resources
EFSA (2020) Risk assessment of ochratoxin A in food. EFSA Journal, 18(5): 6113.
Sources
Tables & Figures
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