JRC releases a new certified reference material for aflatoxins in paprika powder
18 February 2020The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) releases a new certified reference material (CRM) for aflatoxins in paprika powder. Aflatoxins are toxic substances formed by moulds. Effective consumer protection depends on food surveillance by reliable analytical methods in combination with quality control through reference materials.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of moulds. They are toxic and occur as contaminants in a wide range of food and animal feed from plant origin and can pose a potential risk to human and animal health. It is essential to limit the total content of the toxic aflatoxins as well as the most toxic aflatoxin B1 content in food. Since it is not possible to completely avoid the occurrence of moulds, aflatoxins have to be monitored in food to make its consumption safe. Maximum levels of aflatoxins are laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.
Effective consumer protection depends on food surveillance by reliable analytical methods in combination with quality control through reference materials. To support measurement laboratories in monitoring aflatoxin maximum levels in food, the JRC has released a new CRM (ERM®-BD286), which is certified for the mass fraction of two aflatoxins (B1 and G1) in paprika powder. One of the major contributors to aflatoxin exposure are spices from dried fruits of Capsicum spp., in particular paprika powder. The regular use of the new CRM will help to ensure that measurement results are correct, consistent over time and comparable between locations. Regulatory compliance and safety of products on the market will improve.
Further details on ERM-BD286 can be found in the certificate and certification report available in our on-line catalogue.
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