Aflatoxin: A Synthesis of the Research in Health, Agriculture and Trade

“As of 2003, aflatoxin
regulations existed for
five countries in Africa,
including Kenya and
South Africa.”
AflAtoxin StAnDARDS foR hUMAnS AnD AniMAlS
Standards for aflatoxin limits vary across foodstuffs, country, or region, and
the intended use of the food. outlined below are limits for each of these
categories.
c.1 HuMAn conSuMPtion
european union: the eU has some of the strictest standards for mycotoxins,
including aflatoxin, in the world. the limit for aflatoxin is 4 ppb. 7
united States: the United States has adopted 20 ppb as the maximum level
for aflatoxin 8 and 0.5 ppb for milk 9 .
canada: A standard of 15–20 ppb has been set for finished food
products. 10
Asian countries: chinese levels of aflatoxin B 1 in peanut butter and sesame
paste cannot exceed 20 ppb. Regulations are based on the eU commission
Directive 2003/121/ec, which states that for peanuts, nuts, dried fruit, and
cereals intended for direct human consumption, the measurement uncertainty
and correction for recovery should be taken into account if one or more of the
subsamples exceed the maximum limit beyond a reasonable doubt. 11
African countries: Aflatoxin remains largely unregulated throughout Africa.
As of 2003, aflatoxin regulations existed for five countries in Africa, including
Kenya and South Africa. Standards range between 10 ppb and 20 ppb. 12 for
many countries, regulations have not yet been mandated or strongly enforced.
c.2 AniMAl feed
Widespread concern about potential effects of aflatoxin in humans and animals—
as well as possible transfer of aflatoxin residues into edible animal tissues and
milk—has led to regulatory actions in the eU and the United States. Products
exceeding these levels may be seized and destroyed. 13 of note, researchers
predict that it may take approximately 72 hours on aflatoxin-free feed for milk to
become aflatoxin-free; 14 others suggest that withholding aflatoxin-contaminated
feed from livestock for 3 to 4 weeks prior to slaughter may be enough to clear
toxins from muscle tissue. 15 outlined below are regulations for animal feed:
european union: Maize intended for feed cannot exceed 20 ppb of aflatoxin
B 1 . 16
united States: for mature non-lactating animals, aflatoxin limits have been
set at 100–300 ppb, depending on the feed type and the animal species. 17
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