Market Prospects for Groundnut in West Africa COMMON FUND ...

Table 23. Tolerance limits for aflatoxins as set by the European Union.
Tolerance limit (μg/kg)
Purpose B 1 B 1 + G 1 + B 2 + G 2
Groundnut for direct consumption 2 4
Groundnut for further processing 5 10
Milk and milk products 0.05 -
The key attributes for the export of groundnuts are piece count referring
to the number of seeds per ounce, aflatoxins and physical properties such as
brokens and admixtures. The seed size expressed as piece counts is crucial to
determine commodity value. Until now, there have been no limits for the
pesticide residues in the seed and cake. The increasing interest in healthy
eating has initiated the concept of organic farming in developing countries.
Groundnuts grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers would fetch a
premium.
Aflatoxin limits fixed by importer countries
Many groundnut-importing countries have placed limits on the levels of
aflatoxins permissible in groundnuts and groundnut products (Table 24).
Countries depending on export of aflatoxin-susceptible commodities eg,
Table 24. Maximum possible levels of aflatoxin in imported groundnut for human
consumption and livestock and poultry feeds.
Maximum permissible level (ng g -1 ), 1995
Country Aflatoxin type Foodstuffs Livestock feed
Belgium B 1 5 20
France B 1 1 20
Germany B 1 2 20
Ireland B 1 5 20
Italy B 1 5 20
The Netherlands B 1 0 20
Sweden B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , G 2 5 10
UK B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , G 2 4 20
USA B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , G 2 20 20
Source: Freeman et al. 1999, ICRISAT.
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