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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #195822
Title: STATUS UPDATE ON MYCOTOXIN REGULATIONS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Author
item Kendra, David

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2006
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Mycotoxin-producing fungi can contaminate agricultural products in the field, in storage, or during processing. Consumption of mycotoxin contaminated foods poses a serious health hazard to humans both domestically and internationally. Since mycotoxins are natural contaminants, exposure cannot be completely prevented and populations may be exposed to low levels. As a result, many countries established regulations to limit exposure and to maintain competitiveness in global food trade. Certain European Union Member States have adopted or plan to adopt maximum levels for Fusarium toxins in certain foodstuffs, including wheat and maize. As a result, the European Commission recently developed community measures to ensure market unity. This presentation provides an overview of the factors involved in setting these regulations and highlights the global impact of this legislation.