Maximum level of aflatoxin for ready to eat products

Hi Everyone, 

I am looking for some guidance on Aflatoxin. 

We currently repack raw nuts and seeds. Upon receipt all raw products must be tested. 

We are testing for aflatoxin along with E. coli, salmonella, etc. 

We are getting high results of the Aflatoxin, about 45ppb. 

I'm looking for some kind of guidance for the maximum level for ready to eat products. 

My lab is telling me its below 5ppb, which is their detectable limit. 

Then the FDA has an article about being more than 20 ppb should be tested for B1 strain. This level of the strain would deem the product an adulterated item. so would anything below that be acceptable?

Thanks for the help!

WEEBUS!

Hi Weebus

According to Food Standard Australia and New Zealand the maximum limits for Aflatoxin in nuts is 0.015 mg/kg, However some countries allow the export of nuts with a maximum limit for Aflatoxin as high as 0.03 mg/kg.

For more information about aflatoxin please read the following attachment

Hi Weebus,

Limit may vary with the intended use of product, eg animal deed.

You omitted to mention what the 45ppb was a measure of, eg total aflatoxin ?.

The  link below seems to slightly disagree with yr interpretation of the FDA document.

Offhand, the unspecified  item you refer seems substantially .above a 20 ppb limit

http://www.foodsafet...ets/aflatoxins/

Hi Weebus,

As previously mentioned aflatoxin limits vary by country, commodity, and intended use.  In the US, all commodities intended for human consumption (except milk) have a limit of 20ppb max total aflatoxin.  Other regions have different requirements and may have both a total aflatoxin and B1 aflatoxin limits.

Here's a few links that may help ...

USDA Aflatoxin Program  - https://www.ams.usda...sting/aflatoxin

USDA Mycotoxin Handbook -

USDA Mycotoxin Handbook,2015.pdf   463.1KB   56 downloads

Vicam's database that provides regulation information by country and commodity - http://www.commodityregs.com/

On the processing side, you can use sorting technology to assist in controlling aflatoxin in nuts and seeds ...   

Cordially,

Jennifer