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Rationales for the establishment of limits and regulations for mycotoxins
L Stoloff1, H P Van Egmond, D L Park
1National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Food Additives and Contaminants
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Most countries lack a clear scientific basis for mycotoxin regulations, particularly for aflatoxins. The rationale for maximum tolerated levels is often vague, with practicality influencing limits rather than comprehensive risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Food safety regulations
- Mycotoxin control
- International regulatory science
Background:
- 50 countries regulate aflatoxins in food/feed; 15 regulate other mycotoxins.
- Few nations provide clear rationale for mycotoxin regulations or tolerance levels.
- Information on regulatory rationale was obtained from 21 countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the scientific rationale behind international mycotoxin regulations.
- To assess the basis for maximum tolerated levels (MTLs) of mycotoxins in food and feed.
- To identify countries with comprehensive regulatory frameworks for mycotoxins.
Main Methods:
- Information gathering through successive inquiries to national regulatory bodies.
- Analysis of provided rationales for mycotoxin regulations, focusing on aflatoxins.
- Review of available scientific risk assessments and regulatory justifications.
Main Results:
- Most regulations for aflatoxin limits cite vague carcinogenic risks to humans.
- Practicality, influenced by import/export status, often dictates MTLs.
- The United States provided the most comprehensive rationale for aflatoxin limits in animal feed; other mycotoxins lacked clear justification.
Conclusions:
- The scientific basis for many mycotoxin regulations is weak or not fully utilized.
- Further development of robust risk assessments is needed for international mycotoxin control.
- Harmonizing regulatory approaches requires transparent, science-based rationales.