EU and Codex to double allowed Aflatoxin levels in food

[MaxPont]

Aflatoxin is a mould toxin. FAO/WHO have stated that “aflatoxins are among the most potent mutagenic and carcinogenic substances known.” 1)

Following international pressure from the International nut and dried fruit council foundation, Codex Alimentarius accepted higher level of this toxin than the EU. 2)

EU is now going to increase the maximum levels for aflatoxins from 4 to 10 µg/kg in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios 3)

The EU food safety authority EFSA have issued a report to give the decision scientific credibility (but that is more of a rubber stamp, most likely based on data provided by the industry lobby) 4)

At the same time as EFSA is chasing vitamins with a torch, they double the allowed level of a lethal toxin and approve of fluoride (!!!!) as a food supplement 5)

And don’t miss the fine print between the lines. There is not a word about Codex guidelines being non-binding for the EU or other countries. It is very far fetched to claim that the aflatoxin levels are a barrier to trade. Aflatoxin is not an ingredient that producers put in the product, in case which different permitted levels in different countries would prevent global exports.

1) http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/X2100T/x2100t04.htm

2) http://www.besanagroup.com/indexen_GB.php?module=News&siteid=0&...

3) http://www.dhigroup.com/News/Newsletters/NewsAboutEnvironmentAndTox...

4) http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Quality-Safety/EFSA-publishes-op...
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178620761...

5) http://www.anhcampaign.org/news/anh-press-release-anh-calls-for-inq...

[Sepp]

Great - so the same European Food Safety Authority that's after vitamins approving some sources of vitamins and minerals and eliminating others, and that's getting ready to limit vitamin dosages "for our protection" is increasing allowable aflatoxin levels and has said it's quite ok for fluoride to be in supplements, not as a contaminant but as a "nutrient". I don't think we have to ask who is pulling the strings here.

Apparently, industry has government firmly in its pocket, and to hell with the consumers of whatever is approved.