Brazil: Dates Produced in the UAE

On October 27, 2022, Brazil notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of Ordinance SDA No. 679, which revokes Ordinance SDA/MAPA No. 552, on the phytosanitary requirements for the importation of dried date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) produced in the United Arab Emirates.

Comment period ends December 27, 2022.

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East Africa: Standard and Code of Practice for Dried Fruits

A new East African Standard for Dried Fruits was notified to the WTO by Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda on November 9, 2022. It specifies requirements, sampling and test methods for dried fruits intended for direct human consumption or for other use in the food industry. More information

Likewise, a new Code of Practice for Dried Fruits was notified on November 17, 2022. This code applies to fruits and vegetables that have been dried by natural or artificial means, or a combination of both. This code does not apply to fruits and vegetables commonly known as “dehydrated fruits and vegetables” with moisture content not exceeding 5%. More information

EU: EFSA Pest Risk Assessment of Amyelois Transitella

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest risk assessment of Amyelois transitella, the navel orangeworm. It considered two scenarios: (i) current practices and (ii) a requirement for chilled transport. The assessment focused on pathways of introduction, climatic conditions and cultivation of hosts allowing establishment, spread and impact.

The orangeworm is a common pest of almonds, pistachios and walnuts in California. Based on size of the trade and infestation at origin, importation of walnuts and almonds from the USA was identified as the most important pathways for entry of A. transitella. According to EFSA, a median estimate of 2,630 infested nuts is expected to enter the EU each year over the next 5 years.

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EU: EFSA Technical Report on the Notification of Dried Nuts of Canarium Amboinense

On March 2020, Kawanasi Sehat Dasacatur, PT (Indonesia) submitted a notification under Article 14 of the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/22831 to place on the market dried kenari nuts (Canarium amboinense Hochr.) as a traditional food from a third country (TF). On June 13, 2022, the European Commission forwarded to EFSA the notification on dried kenari nuts as a TF in accordance with Article 15(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

The technical report produced by EFSA considers that with the available data, the placing on the market of the TF (dried nuts of Canarium amboinense Hochr.) within the EU does not raise safety objections.

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EU: EFSA Opinion on Sulfur Dioxide

EFSA has recently published its opinion on the Follow‐up of the re‐evaluation of sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228). According to the report, the current sulfur dioxide-sulfite usage levels may be of concern.

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Tanzania: Standards for Walnut and Pistachio Oils

Notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on November 22, 2022, the Standards specify the requirements, sampling and testing methods for walnut oil derived from the kernel of walnut fruit (Juglans regia L.) intended for human consumption; and for pistachio oil derived from the kernel of pistachio fruit (Pistacia vera L.) intended for human consumption.

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USA: Mycotoxin Test Kit Design, Specifications and Performance Criteria

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced changes to its mycotoxin test kit performance criteria, after evaluating public comments received during prior publications in the Federal Register.

Applicable since November 10, 2022.

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USA: Traceability of Contaminated Food

On November 15, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the finalization of a rule that intends to more effectively trace contaminated food through the food supply, whether sourced in the US or abroad. The final rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for those that manufacture, process, pack or hold certain foods, including nut butters.

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