The INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, specifically raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried dates, and prunes.
As background, at 18th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF18) in 2025, Türkiye submitted a proposal for the development of a code of practice, arguing that relevant literature was available on the prevention and reduction of OTA in dried fruits. CCCF18 agreed to establish the working group, chaired by Türkiye, to undertake this work.
As a first step, working group members were asked to help refine the discussion paper and project document presented at CCCF18, for consideration by CCCF19 in 2026. The INC has submitted a list of relevant scientific papers, as well as further suggestions to guide the development of the code of practice.