voluntary aflatoxin sampling plan (VASP) program - Almond Board

23 Pages·2010·0.85 MB·English

voluntary aflatoxin
sampling plan (VASP)
program
Presented by the Almond Board of California
Table of Contents
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) Program Manual ..................................................1
Almond Industry Programs for Aflatoxin Control .......................................................................8
Example Documents ..............................................................................................................................11
U.S. Goods Return Procedures .........................................................................................................15
Memorandum of Understanding ......................................................................................................18
Map of USDA Approved Labs ..........................................................................................................20
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) Program Manual
Purpose ing. Based on confidence in the VASP program,
EU commission regulation (EC No 1152/2009)
The VASP program was developed by the Cali- directed that consignments shipped with a VASP
fornia Almond industry to provide an aflatoxin certificate be subject to random controls and
sampling plan for the analysis of ready-to-eat those without a VASP certificate be subject to
product with equivalency to that being used by 100% controls.
the European Union (EU) for official testing of in-
coming consignments. The program is intended Program description
to reduce the number of consignments rejected
in the EU by sampling and controlling each lot There are numerous parties involved in the VASP
for aflatoxin to the same stringent accept or re- program, each with specific roles and responsibil-
ject levels adopted by the European Commission ities as shown under “VASP Participants and Re-
prior to shipping. sponsibilities” later in this manual. The VASP pro-
gram revolves around industrywide uniform sam-
Background pling practices, USDA approved laboratory afla-
toxin analyses, specified accept or reject criteria,
From 2004 through 2006 there were increased and standard reporting of results on an eVASP
rejections of almond consignments in the EU certificate. In addition to following the sampling
due to detections of aflatoxin in the product at and analysis protocol, those parties (such as
higher levels than that allowed by the EU. As a handlers) directly involved in the process should
result, the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
conducted an audit mission in September of Point (HACCP) or equivalent-type programs to
2006 to assess the aflatoxin control systems in effectively control and minimize the potential for
place within the California Almond industry for aflatoxin in the product (see page 12: Voluntary
consignments destined for shipment to the EU. Aflatoxin Sampling Programs). Shown on page 13
Subsequently, the European Commission ad- is a flow chart describing the basic steps in the
opted Special Measures for all almond consign- process and responsible parties from the time of
ments shipped to the EU. The VASP program sampling throughout analysis, reporting of re-
was created by the ABC to allow the industry the sults and shipping of consignments.
opportunity to control and test for aflatoxin prior
to shipping, thereby demonstrating the industry’s
commitment and avoiding excessive mandatory
controls on imports. The EU agreed that those
consignments shipped with a VASP certificate
would be subject to less stringent controls, for
example, 5% controls vs. the 100% for consign-
ments shipped without a VASP certificate. In
January of 2009, the FVO conducted a follow-
up mission to reassess the control systems in
place, including a thorough review of the USDA-
approved laboratory program for aflatoxin test-
(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 1
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Figure 1. VASP Program Flow Chart VASP program applicability
The VASP program is applicable for ready-to-eat
1. SAMPLING 2. SAMPLE (RTE) almonds, as well as manufactured goods
DROP-OFF
containing almonds, destined for shipment to
20 kg aggregate
sample is collected Aggregate sample the EU. However, VASP certificates will be issued
in line or via probing is transported to the
only if the product meets the “accept” criteria es-
of finished product. laboratory. Handler-
Samples are initiated draft VASP tablished by the EU for RTE product as shown in
packaged in opaque certificate MUST Table 1 below.
plastic bags or accompany the VASP
cardboard. sample submitted.
Table 1. Accept Limits for VASP Analysis and
Certificate Issuance
Lot is reworked via
Maximum Aflatoxin Levels Laboratory Laboratory
manual or electronic 3. LABORATORY
Allowed (ppb) Sample 1 Sample 2
sorting. Repeat ANALYSIS
Size Size
steps 1-3.
The sample is split B1 8 10 kg 10 kg
into two 10 kg lab
Total 10
samples. Each lab
sample is individually
ground and a 150 Product sampling
4A. FAILED VASP
g test portion
ANALYSIS
analyzed for B1
and total aflatoxin. There is a certain amount of variability attributed
One or both 10 kg lab
Results are reported
samples tests greater to sampling, sample preparation and analysis,
on the eVASP
than 10 ppb total website. Passed which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate
aflatoxin OR greater
eVASP certificates estimate of the true aflatoxin concentration in a
than 8 ppb B1.
may be issued and
lot. One source of uncertainty is due to the non-
signed, while failed
eVASP certificates uniform distribution of aflatoxin contamination in
will advance to the
a given lot. In order to select a representative
handler’s “failed”
bucket. 20 kg aggregate sample from a lot, it is impor-
ALTERNATE USE
tant to collect a large number of incremental
subsamples throughout the lot. The European
Commission has established sampling protocols
for nuts for official mycotoxin control (Commis-
4B. PASSED VASP
sion Regulation EC No 401/206). In order to
ANALYSIS
*Rejections in the remain consistent within the industry and reduce
EU will be monitored Both 10 kg samples
variability, participants in the VASP program
by the ABC. Each test less than 10 ppb
quarter all data will total aflatoxin and B1 should implement a similar sampling protocol for
be analyzed and less than 8 ppb. product shipped to the EU with a VASP certifi-
adjustmens (tighter
tolerances) may cate. An example of such a sampling program is
be made for VASP shown in Tables 2 and 3, on following pages.
Certificate accept/
reject criteria
CERTIFICATE ISSUED
- EU SHIPMENT
2 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28)
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Table 2. Recommended Minimum Number and Size of Incremental Samples per Lot
Sampling Type Total Aggregate Lot Size (lbs) # of incremental Incremental Sample Size
Sample Size Samples
Grams Pounds
In-Line, Packaged 20 kg (44 lbs.) < 10,000 60 330 .75
Product or Manu-
10,000 - 20,000 80 250 .55
factured Goods
Sampling 20,001 - 44,000 100 200 .44
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14) scribes the following:
be collected from the lot to provide a good - Sampling frequency and incremental sample
representation of the entire lot. Once all of the size control practices
incremental samples are pooled, the total ag- - Sampling record and log
gregate sample should equal 20 kg (44 lbs.) at a - HACCP-type program for aflatoxin control
minimum. A lot number or ID should be assigned - Employee VASP training
to this sample and will be required on your - VASP certificate documentation
VASP certificate and on each carton or bin that
is shipped. The 20 kg aggregate sample should SOPs must be made available to the ABC
be collected and stored in opaque plastic bags, when requested for audit purposes.
boxes or other suitable opaque container. If a
sample is not immediately submitted to a USDA- (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:94)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:180)(cid:69)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:14)
approved laboratory for analysis, then it should should be maintained for all sampling activi-
be stored under similar conditions as the lot ties. Both in-line and packaged product sam-
that it represents. The 20 kg aggregate sample pling require documentation of the following:
should be delivered to the laboratory along with - Sampling frequency
the handler-initiated VASP draft certificate as in- - Laboratory sample size
dicated in the sample submission section below. - Lot code and product description
After delivery, the laboratory will divide the 20 - Lot size
kg aggregate sample into two 10 kg lab samples. - Aggregate sample size
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:63)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:14) For packaged-product sampling or manual
responsible for collecting VASP samples in-line sampling, an operator log sheet should
should be properly trained on VASP proto- be filled out as the sample is taken. It should
cols including sampling, recordkeeping and include the time the sample was taken, the size
aflatoxin control (HACCP type) principles. A of the sample and the operator initials. For
personnel training record should be kept for all automatic in-line sampling, a log sheet should
employees involved in the VASP program and be maintained verifying periodically that the
be made available to the ABC when requested sampler is appropriately collecting samples.
for audit purposes. An example of a manual in-line sampling sheet
is shown on page 13 of this section.
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:61)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14)
(cid:22)(cid:65)(cid:61)(cid:62)(cid:97)(cid:23)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)- Sampling records must be made available to
velop a standard operating procedure that de- the ABC when requested for audit purposes.
(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 3
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Table 3. Sampling Type and Description
Sampling Type (cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:83) Sampling Description
In-Line Sampling In-line sampling is pre- Pull samples at defined time intervals throughout the run to ensure repre-
ferred when it is known sentation of entire lot.
that a given production
lot will be shipped to the Sampling can be automatic or manual.
EU and a mechanism ex-
ists to collect samples Base total # of samples and sample size on total lot size using guidelines
during the run. shown in Table 2.
Example 1: 40,000-lb. lot to be processed and packed over a 10-hour period.
# of samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 100
(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97)
Samples to draw = 100 samples ÷ 10 hours = 10 samples per hour
60 min. per hour = 10 samples per hour = 6 minutes per sample
In this case, in-line sampling should be set up so that one 200-gram sample is pulled every 6 minutes.
Packaged (Finished) Packaged or finished- Probe a representative number of bins, boxes or other containers as
Product Sampling product sampling is to be appropriate to ensure representation of the entire lot.
(e.g., bins, boxes, used when unsampled/
etc.) tested product has been Base total # of samples per container and sample size on total lot size
packaged and then cho- using guidelines shown in Table 2.
sen for shipment to the
EU, and/or when in-line If probing sealed bins, boxes, cartons, etc., it is important to seal the
sampling is not available. probe hole and initial and date it so that the customer knows it was not
tampered with.
Example 2: 15,000-lb. lot packaged in 50-lb. boxes = 40 boxes per pallet.
# of samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 80
(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97)
Total # of boxes = 15,000 lbs. ÷ 50 lbs. per box = 300
Total # of pallets = 300 boxes ÷ 40 boxes per pallet = 7.5 pallets
# samples needed per pallet = 80 samples ÷ 7.5 pallets = 10-11 samples per pallet
In this case, finished-product sampling should be conducted so that 10 to 11 250-gram samples are
pulled from each full pallet (individual boxes) with a total of 80 samples drawn.
Packaged or finished- Probe a representative number of bins, boxes or other containers as
product sampling is to be appropriate to ensure representation of the entire lot.
used when unsampled/
tested product has been Base total # of samples per container and sample size on total lot size
packaged and then cho- using guidelines shown in Table 2.
sen for shipment to the
EU, and/or when in-line If probing sealed bins, boxes, cartons, etc., it is important to seal the
sampling is not available. probe hole and initial and date it so that the customer knows it was not
tampered with.
Example 3: 44,000-lb. lot packaged in 2,200-lb. bins = 20 bins.
# of Samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 100
(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97)
Total # of bins = 20
# samples needed per bin = 100 samples ÷ 20 bins = 5 samples per bin
In this case, finished-product sampling should be conducted so that five 200-gram samples are pulled
from different locations throughout each bin. (If probing through the bin, the hole should be sealed
with a signature and notation that probing was for VASP analysis.)
4 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28)
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Sample submission to indicate whether the product was sampled
by in-house staff or an outside third party. If
Once the 20 kg aggregate sample is collected, sampled by a third party, indicate the name
it should be stored in an opaque plastic or card- and address. Please note: below the Sampling
board container under the same conditions in Agency box, there is another empty box. This
which the lot it represents is stored. Prior to box is used for any shipping notes. The pur-
submitting the aggregate sample to a USDA- pose is to add more description as needed.
approved laboratory, an eVASP draft Certificate For instance, if a partial load is shipped you
of Aflatoxin Sampling and Analyses must be filled can make reference to that in the Shipping
out by the applicant, as seen on page 14. To fill Notes section.
out a certificate, the applicant must log into the
eVASP system. Once logged in, the applicant will (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:58)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:180)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:14)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)
select the “New VASP Form” tab and then fill out drop-down menu.
the appropriate sections of the form as follows: (cid:146) Sampling Information:
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:99)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:27)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:99)- sample was collected.
lated based on the log-in credentials. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:23)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:14)
Union. This allows flexibility on delivery to
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:81)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92) any country within the EU.
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:49)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:180)(cid:52)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:103)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:14) (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:48)(cid:103)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:100)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)-
the crop was harvested. sponsible for collecting the sample.
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)
description used here match the Ocean Bill After the draft certificate is filled out, the ap-
of Lading and/or invoice. plicant is ready to click the “Save Draft” button.
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:17)(cid:14)(cid:61)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:98)(cid:81)(cid:28)(cid:180)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) The draft certificate can then be reviewed and a
numbers accurately represent the lot and hard copy printed out by using the “Print to PDF”
add up to the total pounds of the lot. button. The hard copy of the draft certificate
- (cid:58)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:93)(cid:28)(cid:29)(cid:55)(cid:50)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:89)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:61)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:99)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14) must be provided to the lab for each sample sub-
or ID should be assigned to each sample mitted. Labs will not conduct an analysis without
submitted to the lab. Make sure that this (cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:103)(cid:14)
number matches the paperwork and what is to submit the sample for analysis, the “Submit to
printed on the containers, bins, etc. The sec- Lab” button must be clicked. Doing so will place
ond field is optional and must also appear the analysis request in the lab’s in-box.
on each carton or bin.
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:58)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:87)(cid:104)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14) VASP analysis and reporting
pounds that the VASP analysis represents.
Please note: After analyses is completed, (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:61)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:100)-
there is an option to issue certificates that ered to the USDA-approved lab, the analysis
represent a partial lot. This can be done will be conducted according to specific pro-
multiple times until the total pounds repre- gram protocols. Once the results are obtained,
sented by the certificate is reached. they are entered by the lab in the reporting
section of the VASP certificate. For each of
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:103)(cid:180)(cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:93)(cid:102)(cid:14) the two 10 kg laboratory samples, if the results
(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 5
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
exceed the total aflatoxin limit of 10 ppb or 8 “Failed” bucket automatically. The certificate
B1, then the certificate will automatically be will be locked and unable to be issued. As part
placed into a “Failed” bucket and will not be of the VASP program, participants agree that
available for issuance. If the results are within prior to retesting, any failed lots will be further
the EU limits of 10 ppb total and 8 B1, then the processed with electronic, hand or other sort-
certificate will be available for issuance at the ing means to remove damaged nuts and lower
applicant’s request. Certificates that pass are levels of aflatoxin in the lot. If further process-
automatically moved into the “Submitted to ing is not an option, then participants agree to
Issue/Sign” bucket. The certificate will stay in divert the lot to other non-EU outlets.
this bucket until the applicant is ready to have
the certificate issued. VASP participants and responsibilities
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:97)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)- (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:54)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:99)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:87)-
plicants are ready to ship a full or partial lot of (cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:47)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:184)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:83)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:92)-
product to the EU, they can request that the derstanding (MOU), VASP participants agree
certificate be issued (assuming the sample to adhere to the VASP program as described in
has been analyzed) only if the aflatoxin limits this manual. Specific provisions of the program
are within the acceptable limits as described require the following:
above and shown in Table 1. The applicant initi- - Implementation of a Hazard Analysis and
ates this process by logging into the eVASP Critical Control Points (HACCP)-type pro-
system and following the prompts to enter a gram for addressing aflatoxin control.
certificate. The applicant will be required to - Proper training of individuals responsible for
enter the total pounds being shipped. Please implementing VASP sampling protocol.
note: The total pounds shipped cannot ex- - Compliance with audit activities associated
ceed the total pounds previously listed in the with verification of sampling procedures,
Products Description section of the certificate. VASP documentation and training.
However if the applicant wishes to ship a par- - Agreement to allow company name to be in-
tial load, they can enter fewer pounds than cluded on a published VASP participant list.
indicated in the Products Description section. - Utilization of eVASP or equivalent
The applicant should mention this in the Ship- ABC-approved system.
ping Notes section of the certificate. Once the - Accompaniment of VASP certificate with all
applicant finalizes the certificate and selects EU shipments.
it to be issued, the lab is notified. The lab will - Agreement to retest failed lots only after ap-
then print out the certificate and finalize it by propriately reprocessing.
signing an original copy in blue ink and ap- - Agreement to not ship California almonds
plying an official USDA stamp in red ink. The from another country to the EU unless ap-
original signed copy must be returned to the propriate testing equivalent to VASP has
applicant and included with the lot (or partial been conducted and levels are below the
lot) shipped to the EU. limits adopted by the EU.
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:52)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:102)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:14) (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)-
set forth by the EU and shown in Table 1 of this gram requires utilization of USDA-approved
document, the certificate will be placed into a laboratories for conducting aflatoxin analysis.
6 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28)
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
A list of currently approved laboratories can
be found on the ABC website. As part of the
program, USDA-approved labs are required
to conform to specific standards and require-
ments as set forth by the USDA. These include,
but are not limited to, participation in annual
FAPAS international proficiency test, periodic
spiked and check sample analyses and report-
ing, and annual USDA audits. In addition, prior
to being accepted as a USDA approved lab,
there is a rigorous review process and strict
performance criteria that must be demon-
strated.
As part of the program, USDA-approved VASP
laboratories must agree to use the eVASP sys-
tem of reporting.
(cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:23)
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)
program and assists with issuance and re-
porting of VASP certificates as needed,
and it serves as a resource for program
questions and modifications. The ABC also
assists the USDA in the validation and over-
sight activities associated with the approved
laboratories. In cooperation with USDA in
the U.S. Capital, its overseas offices and Eu-
ropean authorities, ABC monitors issues re-
lated to almond import controls in EU ports.
As needed, the ABC assists with options to
address loads rejected in the EU.
(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)
ensure that VASP participants (handlers and
manufacturers) are adhering to the princi-
ples as detailed in this manual and agreed to
by signing the MOU. As such, periodic au-
dits will occur to verify that VASP practices
are in place and being followed by signees
of the MOU.
(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 7
Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs
Almond Industry Programs for Aflatoxin Control
Growers and Handlers Share and will grow on nutmeats that have been dam-
Responsibility (cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:96)-
chard or in the stockpile, high moisture content
and high temperatures favor mold growth.
The intention of the almond industry’s food safe-
ty programs is to provide a healthful, safe food
There are several critical steps that growers
that will meet the intended needs of our custom-
should take to minimize navel orangeworm dam-
ers and represent good value. Our production,
age and subsequent mold growth, which leads to
harvest, delivery, storage, processing and quality
aflatoxin contamination.
systems are designed to provide a safe and sani-
tary product for our customers.
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nuts (those that remain on the tree after harvest).
Food safety begins in the orchard with the imple-
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mentation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).
remove mummy nuts from the tree by shaking or
Almond-specific GAPs have been developed by
poling until there is an average of fewer than two
the Almond Board of California (ABC) as an im-
nuts per tree.
portant first step in food safety. In addition to
developing GAPs, the ABC has funded research
Mummies must be removed before budswell, or
to better understand the contributing factors to
by Feb. 1. Destroy mummies on the ground by
aflatoxin development in almonds at both the or-
disking or flail mowing by March 15. Removing
chard level and during postharvest handling and
and destroying mummy nuts not only reduces the
storage.
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during the next growing season, it also chops the
Handlers are required to take all reasonable mea-
mummies into pieces too small to be accidently
sures and precautions to comply with Good Man-
swept up with the next year’s harvest and con-
ufacturing Practices (GMPs). GMPs are mandated
taminating next year’s harvest with aflatoxin.
by the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 21 (CFR
21) part 110. These are general requirements that
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all handlers must follow. As food manufacturers,
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almond handlers may be audited by state or fed-
as soon as possible after the nuts are mature.
eral authorities at any time without prior notice
Maturity is reached when 95% of nuts are at hull-
to ensure compliance with GMPs and to verify
split at the 6 to 8-foot level of the tree canopy.
sanitation programs.
Harvesting early and removing nuts from the or-
chard promptly can prevent a third generation of
Aflatoxin Prevention in Orchards (cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:27)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:103)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:100)(cid:93)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:91)-
age on the new crop.
Aflatoxins are produced by certain molds, mainly
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of the Aspergillus genus. The mold spores are
early-harvest guidelines are followed, an in-sea-
found in the soil and in dust in the air. The spores
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harvest sample can help determine if treatments
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