New limits for Ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced naturally by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is formed during the drying and storage of agricultural products.

In our webinar on mycotoxins on 22 April 2021, we presented a draft regulation that provided for the modification and implementation of maximum levels of Ochratoxin A in foodstuffs.

This new regulation has just been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It is Regulation (EU) No 2022/1370 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for ochratoxin A in certain foodstuffs.

Maximum levels for ochratoxin A have already been set for certain foodstuffs in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 but it has been detected in foodstuffs for which no maximum level has yet been set and which contribute to human exposure to ochratoxin A.

This new regulation therefore introduces new limits on the following foodstuffs:

•  Bakery products, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals with specific limits for products containing oil seeds, dried fruits and nuts.
• Malt-based soft drinks
• Dried fruit other than sultanas
• Date syrup
• Liquorice-based confectionery
• Dried herbs
• Ginger, marshmallow, dandelion and orange blossom roots for use in infusions or coffee substitutes
• Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon and melon seeds, hemp seeds, soya beans.
• Pistachios
• Cocoa powder

On the other hand, some limits have been lowered on products that were already regulated. This is the case for :

•  Bakery products (from 3 to 2µg/kg for products not containing oilseeds, dried fruits and nuts)
• Sultanas (from 10 to 8µg/kg)
• Roasted coffee (from 5 to 3µg/kg)
• Soluble coffee (from 10 to 5µg/kg)

It should also be noted that the OTA limit applicable to certain spices has been extended to all spices.

This new text will be applicable from 1 January 2023.

Consult the regulation at the attached link: Regulation (EU) N°2022/1370

Please note that your Phytocontrol laboratory offers mycotoxin analysis under COFRAC accreditation, you can consult our COFRAC technical annex N°1-1904 available in your customer area or on the COFRAC website.

Need technical, regulatory and pricing information? Our customer service is available from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday on 0 800 900 775 or service-clients@phytocontrol.com

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