Food Standards Agency issue warning on Fusarium
15th September 2008Due to the inclement harvest, FSA is concerned there is a risk of higher-than-normal levels of Fusarium mycotoxins in wheat. The Maximum level of mycotoxin is 1250 µg/kg. Any grain over this limit cannot pass into the human food chain.
2007 saw higher levels of fungal residues and these may have carried over to the 2008 crop in particular areas of the UK. Wheat is seen as a higher risk than other cereals but farmers should be aware that across the board they should be taking precautions.
What Should Farmers Do?
Undertake a risk assessment of the potential level of Fusarium infection. Ask whether it is possible if the cereal could be infected, and if so at what level of infection? (see HGCA link below)
Clean grain post-harvest to reduce the risk.
Sample stored grain prior to uplift.
Do not permit cross-contamination of grain in storage.
Maintain Assurance Standards.
The Food Standards Agency has also produced a Sampling Advice document for Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs and this is available at: http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/samplingadmyco.pdf
Further guidance on what do to can be found at http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/regulation/foodfeedform
or at
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