The FSA action comes following a survey which found high levels of cancer-causing mycotoxins in 10 per cent of pistachio samples tested.

Despite a temporary suspension of Iranian importsin 1997 and a more rigorous testing regime, all samples over the limits in the FSA tests were imported from Iran.

The offending products have been removed from sale and the FSA is now calling on the European Commission to reinstate the ban imposed in 1997 on Iranian pistachio nuts. The EC has issued a rapid alert warning across the EU. The Commission issued 67 alerts in 2001 on Iranian pistachios. This figure represents more than a third of all warnings issued on mycotoxins.

The survey in 2000 and a follow up survey in 2001looked at 227 product samples and was concerned with assessing levels of a number of mycotoxins including the most toxic, Aflatoxin B1. The pistachios found with levels over the limit were Balham Wholefoods raw pistachios, Natco Pistachio kernels and Rainbow Wholefoods Roasted and Salted Pistachios.

Mycotoxins are produced by certain moulds growing on food crops. Many are genotoxic carcinogens – they can cause cancer – by damaging DNA.

If a ban is imposed on pistachios from Iran, growers and exporters from California stand to benefit from increased market share as they did in 1997.

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