Regulations relating to mycotoxins in almonds in European context.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several species of fungi and having a toxic effect on humans and farm animals. In particular, almonds, a rich source of nutrients and phytochemicals, can be contaminated by aflatoxins, one of the most important mycotoxins, mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The reference regulations in this field are continuously improved and updated worldwide. This paper reports the current state of the European regulations on aflatoxins in almonds concerning the limits, and the procedures for performing official controls and for import.