Mycotoxins and aflatoxin limits
Toxic compounds produced by moulds in grains, oilseeds, nuts, spices and feed: aflatoxins (B1 and total), ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, fumonisins and T-2. Legal limits differ widely by country and use – in the EU, for example, aflatoxin B1 in nuts for direct consumption is limited to 2–8 µg/kg, and exceeding it triggers RASFF notifications and rejection of the shipment. The contract must state the limits, the sampling method and whose laboratory result is final.
Related terms
Phytosanitary and veterinary health certificates
A phytosanitary certificate is issued under IPPC standards by the exporting country’s official plant-protection organisation after inspection, confirming that plant products – grain, pulses, seeds, timber, wooden pallets – are free of pests and meet the importing country’s requirements. Animal products such as meat, milk powder, fishmeal and gelatin require an official veterinary health certificate instead. Wooden packaging must be heat-treated and stamped under ISPM 15. Missing or non-compliant certificates lead to detention, destruction or re-export at customs.
Sampling (representative sample)
Taking samples so that they represent the whole lot, following standard methods – e.g. ISO 24333 for grain, ISO 3082 for ores, ASTM D4057 for liquids. In bulk loading, increments taken at intervals are combined and divided, and usually three or four identical samples are sealed: one for the seller, one for the buyer and one retained for umpire analysis. At the quotation stage, small type samples are tested for suitability; the contract should commit that the shipment will match the approved sample.
Feed safety certification (GMP+, FAMI-QS, FSSC 22000)
GMP+ Feed Certification, of Dutch origin, is a HACCP-based safety standard for producing, trading, storing and transporting feed ingredients; European feed buyers often require it of suppliers, and it also requires certified road and sea carriers. FAMI-QS is a quality and safety standard specifically for producers of feed additives such as vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and premixes. On the food side, FSSC 22000, BRCGS and IFS play a similar role. Validity and scope – which products, which site – should be checked in the online databases.