Navigating Aflatoxin & Heavy Metal Limits in EU Customs

Exporting food items into Europe requires compliance checks matching the strict limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Among these, **Aflatoxins** (specifically B1, B2, G1, and G2) present the highest rejection risks for agricultural imports.

Strict EU Limits: 5 ppb and 10 ppb

European laws enforce a maximum limit of **5.0 parts per billion (ppb)** for Aflatoxin B1 in spices, and a total limit of **10.0 ppb** for all Aflatoxins combined. In comparison, US FDA limits are set slightly higher at 20 ppb. This creates unique compliance conditions that Indian exporters must address prior to ocean shipping.

Prevention at Sourcing & Drying

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites generated by *Aspergillus flavus* molds. Mold forms when agricultural goods are dried under damp conditions or packed with moisture above 10%.

At UG Global Ventures, we maintain moisture levels strictly below **8.5%** in our Salem and Sangli warehouses. We enforce kiln-drying over standard open-ground field drying during late monsoons, and place desiccant silica gel packets in all stuffings to neutralize moisture shifts.