Aflatoxin certification is an import instrument for U.S. exports to the EU of almonds, pistachios and peanuts. Information on the product specific programs is available from the respective commodity groups as well as from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
AMS Mycotoxin Program
AMS’ Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) plays a role in supporting domestic and/or export trade of almonds, peanuts, and pistachio nuts by approving, or accrediting labs to perform testing for the mycotoxins, aflatoxin and ochratoxin A.
The Laboratory Approval Program for Analysis ensures testing is conducted by qualified and approved laboratories. Program requirements for mycotoxin testing include good laboratory, quality assurance and control practices, applicable domestic and international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025), proficiency testing, established methods and accepted equipment, and on-site audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate and pay program fees.
USDA (AMS) or USDA (AMS) Listing Approved Labs
USDA (AMS) Lab:
National Science Laboratories-Blakely, GA
Michael Miller, Laboratory Supervisor
6567 Chancy Mill Road
Blakely, GA 39823-2785
Phone: (229) 723-4570
Fax: (229) 723-3294
USDA (AMS) - Listing Approved Labs
Almonds
At the request of the Almond Board of California (ABC), AMS administers a program for aflatoxin testing of almonds destined for export to the European Union (EU) through the Pre-Export Certification program of ABC.
For information on aflatoxin certification on almonds, please go to the links below:
Links
Pistachios
At the request of the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP), AMS administers a program for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A testing of pistachios destined for EU through the Pistachio Export Aflatoxin Reporting (PEAR) Program.
AMS administers mandatory domestic aflatoxin requirements for pistachio nuts under Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico (7 CFR Part 983) and administers mandatory import requirements for pistachio nuts under Specialty Crops; Import Regulations (7 CFR Part 999, Section 999.600). The regulations require domestic and import shipments of pistachios intended for human consumption to be tested for aflatoxin contamination by a USDA or USDA-approved lab.
For information on aflatoxin certification on pistachios, please go to the links below:
Links
Peanuts
At the request of the American Peanut Council (APC), AMS administers a program for aflatoxin testing of peanuts destined for export to the EU.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers the Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States (7 CFR 996 Parts 996.1 – 996.75). The regulation requires domestically marketed peanuts for human consumption to be analyzed for aflatoxin by a USDA or USDA-approved lab.
Contact Email: info@peanutsusa.org.uk
