Toxins Regulations / Guidelines

The need for regulations imposing limits to the concentration of mycotoxins in foods and feeds has been recognized by the majority of countries. How limits are chosen, and for which commodities depends on toxicological data, occurrence, availability of methods of sampling and analysis, implications for trade and sufficient food supply.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is a scientific advisory body of FAO and WHO. It provides a mechanism for assessing the toxicity of additives, veterinary drug residues and contaminants, including mycotoxins. The degree of exposure and risk to the population are also incorporated. Exposure assessments for mycotoxins have been carried out by JECFA, Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC), Joint UNEP/FAO/WHO Food Contamination and Monitoring Programme (GEMS/Food) as well as National bodies and these assessments are being used in the development of CODEX maximum levels or guideline levels.

The last mycotoxins to be evaluated by JECFA have been patulin (1989, 1995) and ochratoxin (1990,1995).

Maximum levels for chemical contaminants in food, including mycotoxins, are considered by CCFAC in consultation with the Codex Commodity Committees. Considerable work has been done by these Committees culminating in the first MRL. This is a 15ppb limit for total aflatoxins in peanuts destine further processing, with a proviso that a suitable sampling plan and method of analysis be developed. Other proposals for maximum limits are at final stages (aflatoxin M1) and codes of practice (sampling plans, reduction of aflatoxin B1 levels in feed).