Combating aflatoxins in Nigerian agricultural produce

1/9/2010, Nigerian Mycotoxin Awareness and Study Network (NMASN)
The August 24 2010 news that the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is actively cooperating with the World Trade Organization to commit 500,000US dollars to the fight against aflatoxin in agricultural products was received with excitement, particularly by the members of the Nigeria Mycotoxin Awareness and Study Network (NMASN). Since 2006, the NMASN has been organizing workshops, conferences and enlightenment outings on the need to attract the support of government and international organizations in the management of mycotoxins The involvement of all stakeholders in the assessment of a new biopesticide, Aflasafe, at a forum on 26 August, 2010 was also timely.

EFSA Call: Request for data on T-2 toxin, HT-toxin and nivalenol in food and feed, and zearalenone on food.

6/8/2010,
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced a request for data on the mycotoxins T-2, HT-2, nivalenol and zearalenone. Data is welcomed from member states, research institutions, academia, industry, trade and any other stakeholders. The deadline for sending data is 15th October 2010.
EFSA Call

Statement from EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)

2/8/2010,
The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a proposal for the modification of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 429/200 (regarding the preparation and the presentation of applications and the assessment and the authorisation of feed additives).
Click here to go to EFSA Statement

Fighting ergot alkaloids - an article in the latest Biomin newsletter

20/7/2010,
In this newsletter you will find an overview on risk levels for ergot alkaloids, and results of in vitro and an in vivo trial on BIOMIN’s approach to solving these problems, which currently causes great economic losses in extensive and other farming systems. The newsletter can be downlaoded following registration on the Biomin Download Area.
Click here to go to Biomin website to find Download Area

New factsheet: Mycotoxins in cereals: sources and risks

16/7/2010,
A new factsheet is available on this website. Mycotoxins in cereals: sources and risks can be found in the list of factsheets (number 17 of the Basic factsheets). Click here to view factsheet.

FDA Guidance for Industry

16/7/2010,
A revised guidance document: 'Advisory Levels for Deoxynivalenol (DON) in Finished Wheat Products for Human Consumption and Grains and Grain By-Products used for Animal Feed' has been issued by the US FDA. In this the advisory levels for deoxynivalenol in grains and grain byproducts destined for cattle have been revised.
Click here to read FDA guidance document

McyoRed Project newsletter issue 2 published

16/7/2010,
MycoRed is a large collaborative project funded through the seventh framework programme and aims to develope novel integrated strategies for worldwide mycotoxin reduction in food and feed chains. The newsletter for the second year of the project is available for download from the MycoRed website.
Click here to go to MycoRed website

Codex extends aflatoxin code based on new Brazil nuts data.

12/7/2010, Decision News Media
The United Nations' food standards body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, has extended its code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin in tree nuts to include additional measures for Brazil nuts.
Click here for further details from Decision News Media