CAC/RCP 59-2005 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Tree Nuts
INTRODUCTION
1. The elaboration and acceptance of a Code of Practice for tree nuts by Codex will provide uniform guidance for all countries to consider in attempting to control and manage contamination by various mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins. In order for this Code of Practice to be effective, it will be necessary for the producers and processors in each country to consider the general principles given in the Code, taking into account the agronomic and extractivistic1 practices associated with the tree nuts produced in their regions, before attempting to implement provisions enumerated in the Code. It is important for producers or extractivists to realize that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) represent the primary line of defence against contamination of nuts with aflatoxins, followed by the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Good Extractivistic Practices and Good Storage Practices (GSP) during the handling, processing, storage and distribution of nuts for human consumption. Only by effective control at all stages from the farm through to processing can excellent quality of the final product be assured. However, the complete elimination of mycotoxin contaminated commodities, including tree nuts, is not achievable at this time.
