Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods, Maximum Level for Total Aflatoxins in Ready-to-Eat Peanuts
The 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF16) took place from April 18 to 21, 2023. The draft report has been published. The CCCF agreed:
(i) to re-convene the EWG, chaired by India and co-chaired by Senegal, to work over the next two years on the maximum level (ML) for total aflatoxins (AFT) in ready-to-eat (RTE) peanuts and the associated sampling plan, as follows:
- (a) to prepare a proposal on a clear definition for RTE peanuts for the establishment of MLs for AFT in RTE peanuts for consideration by CCCF17; and
- (b) following discussion and agreement on the definition for RTE peanuts at CCCF17 to develop MLs for RTE peanuts and associated sampling plans for consideration by CCCF18.
(ii) the EWG should take into account the decision of CCCF15 in relation to the data analysis and the need to have at least two rounds of discussion in the EWG.
(iii) to inform CCEXEC of the decision and request an extension of the timeline for completion of work to 2025.
Argentina: Draft Joint Resolution, Plant-Based Beverages
Notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on April 14, 2023, the draft Joint Resolution includes the definition, sales description, composition and physico-chemical characteristics of plant-based beverages.
The final date for comments is May 15, 2023.
Canada: MRLs Update for Pyraziflumid
Notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 3, 2023, the notification reports the maximum residue limits (MRLs) proposed by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency for:
| Commodity | MRLs (ppm) |
| Tree nuts | 0.03 |
Chile: Exportation of Certain Species of Pistachio Plants from the US
On Abril 14, 2023, Chile notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the recognition of the Micro Paradox Inc. production center for the exportation of certain species of pistachio plants from the United States to Chile.
EFSA: Re-evaluation of Bisphenol A
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a re-evaluation of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical substance utilized in combination with other chemicals to manufacture certain plastics and resins. BPA is also used to produce epoxy resins found in protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans and vats. After comparing the new tolerable daily intake (TDI) with estimates of dietary exposure to BPA, experts concluded that consumers of all age groups with both average and high exposure to BPA exceeded the new TDI, indicating health concerns.
EU: Contaminants Updated Maximum Levels
The Commission has issued the Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which sets out maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repeals the Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. The old regulation had been amended many times and it was necessary to replace it. The new regulation aims to protect public health by prohibiting food containing contaminants exceeding the maximum levels from being placed on the market, used as food ingredients, or mixed with food. Food business operators must provide specific concentration, dilution, and processing factors, and appropriate experimental data to apply maximum levels to dried, diluted, processed, and compound food without specific EU maximum levels.
Chemical detoxification of food is prohibited due to a lack of toxicological data and scientific evidence of the safety of the metabolites created by such treatment. The regulation also includes provisions for sorting or physical treatment of food before placing on the market or use as a food ingredient, labeling requirements for certain products, and monitoring and reporting. The maximum levels remain unchanged from the latest amendment of the old regulation.
The new regulation will take effect on May 25, 2023.
EU: Controls for Certain Products and Origins
The European Union voted in favor of the changes in controls for nuts and dried fruits as follows.
Annex I:
- Aflatoxins: Groundnuts from Senegal and Sudan – delisting
- Cyanide: Unprocessed apricot kernels from Türkiye intended to be placed on the market for the final consumer – frequency of identity and physical checks set at 50%
- Sulphites: dried apricots from Uzbekistan – delisting
Annex II:
- Aflatoxins
- Peanuts from Egypt – increase the frequency of identity and physical checks to be performed on those consignments entering the Union to 30%
- Peanuts from Gambia and Sudan – delisting
- Pistachios from Türkiye and Iran, frequency of identity and physical checks set at 50 %
- Pistachios and derived products originating in the United States and dispatched to the EU from Türkiye – should be included in point 3 of Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, with a frequency of identity and physical checks set at 50%.
Luxembourg: Reauthorization of Glyphosate
On March 30, 2023, the Administrative Court of Luxembourg confirmed the judgment of the administrative court which annulled the decisions to withdraw the marketing authorization of eight phytosanitary products containing the active substance glyphosate. The cancellation results in the authorizations of the respective phytosanitary products being restored from the date of the ruling. On February 1, 2020, Luxembourg withdrew the authorization for placing glyphosate on the market, although it allowed the sale of existing stocks to continue until January 1, 2021.
Tanzania: Specifications for Brazil nuts and Hazelnuts
The following specifications were notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 4, 2023.
| Commodity | Description of notification |
| Brazil nuts (1) | This Tanzania Standard specifies the requirements, sampling and test methods for raw Brazil nut kernels derived from Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa L.) intended for direct human consumption |
| Hazelnuts (2) | This Tanzania Standard specifies the requirements, sampling and methods of test for raw and roasted hazelnut kernels derived from hazelnut fruit (Corylus avellana L.) intended for human consumption |
(1) More information
(2) More information
The deadline for comments is July 3, 2023.
USA: Pesticide Tolerances for Fluazifop-P-butyl
Effective since April 27, 2023, a new regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluazifop-P-butyl. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before June 26, 2023.
| Commodity | Parts per million |
| Macadamias | 0.1 |
| Peanut | 1.5 |
| Peanut, meal | 2.2 |
| Pecans | 0.05 |