Provisional Translation
| OTO No. | 531 | Classification | MHW-231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of Acceptance | March 30, 1995 | Ministry/Agency Receiving Complaint | Economic Planning Agency |
| Responsible Ministries | Ministry of Health and Welfare | Related Laws | Food Sanitation Law |
| Complainant | Austrian Embassy (proxy complaint) | Exporting Countries | Austria |
| Subject | Simplification of import inspection for spices, nuts and spice mixes | ||
| Details of Measures | Aflatoxin, a type of toxic mold found in nuts, is the most powerful natural carcinogen known, and since it is unevenly distributed in foods, close inspection is necessary to detect and prevent import of contaminated foods. Since it is impossible to completely prevent the occurrence of aflatoxin-producing mold in nature, it is important to reduce contamination as much as possible in the place of origin. Further, since contamination can spread in the place of origin or during transport, depending on storage or stockpiling conditions, import inspection of the product is essential, and considering the characteristics of contamination and the number of past infractions, inspection is carried out according to established frequency and sampling methods. 1. Regarding acceptance of the exporting country's standards mentioned in this complaint, aflatoxin controls differ by country, and since study of international standards is still in the initial stages, it is difficult to accept the exporting country's standards. 2. Regarding omitting of inspection and setting a validity period for inspection results, the complainant was advised that this is not appropriate from the perspective of ensuring food sanitation, given the toxic strength of aflatoxin, uneven contamination, the possibility of spreading contamination in the place of origin or during transport, and in the light of actual infractions which have occurred. |
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| Classification of Processing | D | Directions | 1. II-b 2. II-a |
| Remarks | |||