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Lowering the maximum levels of mycotoxins (substances produced by fungi that can harm human health if consumed in sufficient quantities) in cereals could be costly for European cereal producers, French MEP Anne Sander warned on Wednesday.
Sander, an EPP MEP, wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging a change in the restrictions set out in the regulation, which is due to take effect in July, or an exemption for farmers this year.
“I would like to draw your attention to the difficulties that many farmers, especially cereal growers, are currently experiencing, especially in France, regarding the regulations on mycotoxins in cereals,” Sander wrote.
The production of these toxins is linked to humidity conditions during the growing period of cereals, which are exacerbated by the heavy rainfall currently affecting several regions of France.
In 2017, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued two opinions warning EU citizens of all ages about excessive exposure to certain mycotoxins.
In 2024, the European Union passed two regulations to reduce health risks to consumers. These regulations stipulate Maximum The total amount of T-2 and HT-2 toxins is 50 μg/kg, reduce From July, the maximum level of DON toxin in unprocessed cereals will increase from 1,250 micrograms per kilogram to 1,000 micrograms per kilogram.
The MEP argued that the new restrictions would be “unbearable” for farmers.
“(Farmers) have no choice but to sacrifice part of their harvest or increase their use of phytosanitary products, whereas they would otherwise like to reduce their use,” Sander said. “This is unacceptable.”
(Angelo Di Mambro/Editing by Rajneesh Singh)
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