EU: Hazelnuts and Pistachios Returned Due to Tenuazonic Acid
Two RASFF notifications have been filed in the past two weeks for tenuazonic acid (TEA), an Alternaria toxin, in tree nuts: hazelnuts from Türkiye on February 28 and pistachios from the USA on March 7. In both cases, the indicative level for TEA in tree nuts set in Commission Recommendation 2022/553 (100 μg/kg) was exceeded and the nuts were returned to the consignor. (The indicative level set for dried figs is considerably higher at 1,000 μg/kg.) RASFF database information suggests that these are the first RASFF notifications for TEA in tree nuts.
Producers are advised to remain vigilant and are reminded that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is gathering data on Alternaria toxins in foodstuffs including tree nuts and dried figs. For this year’s annual call, food business operators and other stakeholders may submit data until June 30, 2025. As of now, the EU has not established a specific deadline or timeline for setting maximum levels for Alternaria toxins.
EU: EFSA Publishes Mandate to Evaluate Impact of Reducing MLs for SO2
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the mandate it received from the European Commission last year to evaluate the impact of reducing the maximum levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on dietary exposure. For dried apricots specifically, EFSA has been asked to estimate dietary exposure to SO2 under two scenarios:
- Scenario 1: maximum permitted level 2,000 mg/kg
- Scenario 2: maximum permitted level 1,500 mg/kg
EFSA’s assessment will be completed by June 30, 2025.
EU: Plant Protection Products Update
In January, after concluding that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates under the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health, EFSA raised the maximum residue level (MRL) for potassium phosphonates in apricots from 2 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg.
The Commission published an Implementing Decision postponing the expiry date of the approval of cypermethrin for use in biocidal products of product-type 8 until November 30, 2027. It also published an Implementing Decision postponing the expiry date of the approval of spinosad for use in biocidal products of product-type 18 until October 31, 2027.
India: Plant Quarantine Order Updated to Facilitate Australian Macadamia Imports
In February, the Government of India amended its Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, to facilitate the import of Australian macadamias, according to the Australian Macadamia Society. The amendment changes the treatment requirements for macadamia kernels. India’s regulations previously mandated fumigation with methyl bromide at a concentration of 32 g/m3 for 24 hours at 21°C or higher, or an extended heat treatment. The new regulations now recognize heat treatment at 60°C for one minute as an effective alternative.
UK: Draft Increased Official Controls on Peanuts and Peanut Products
The UK has published a consultation on proposed amendments to the lists within assimilated Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/1793. Among other changes, this proposal would add peanut products from Paraguay —including in-shell peanuts, shelled peanuts, peanut flour, peanut paste, peanut meal, and peanut butter— to Annex I of the Regulation, mandating 10% frequency checks on these products for aflatoxins. The deadline to submit comments is April 9, 2025.
USA: FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Low-Moisture Ready-to-Eat Foods
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a draft guidance document entitled Establishing Sanitation Programs for Low-Moisture Ready-to-Eat Human Foods and Taking Corrective Actions Following a Pathogen Contamination Event. Examples of manufactured/processed low-moisture ready-to-eat (LMRTE) foods that fall within the scope of the guidance include peanut butter, other nut spreads, and processed tree nuts.
The draft guidance is intended to help manufacturers/processers of LMRTE human foods comply with 21 CFR part 117 (Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food). The guidance outlines the FDA’s current thinking regarding:
- Establishing and implementing a sanitation program and environmental monitoring program
- Conducting root cause investigations following a pathogen contamination event
- Applying a sanitizing treatment when remediating a pathogen contamination event
- Taking steps to identify affected food
- The limitations of relying solely on a product testing program to verify that pathogen contamination has been eliminated
USA: New MRL for Cyprodinil in Cranberries
On February 26, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule establishing a maximum residue level (MRL) of 0.4 ppm for residues of cyprodinil, including its metabolites and degradates, in cranberries.
Uruguay: New Draft MLs for Aflatoxins in Peanuts
Uruguay has notified the World Trade Organization of a draft resolution, submitted for public consultation, that would change the maximum levels for aflatoxins in peanuts, including peanuts intended for further processing, from 20 µg/kg to 15 µg/kg. The deadline for public comment is April 27, 2025.