Managing the Impact of Aflatoxin on Shipment Rejections

The Almond Board of California (ABC) works closely with shippers and government authorities to manage almond shipment rejections that can result from elevated aflatoxin levels. The almond industry’s comprehensive aflatoxin management system is recognized in the European Union (EU) – the only U.S. commodity with a recognized system in the region. However, even with lower rates of inspection in Europe, rejections can still occur when consignments are resampled and tested.   

An important indicator is insect damage. “We know insect damage is an important vector for aflatoxin contamination. We heard from the industry last year that insect damage was rising, given the economic pressures growers are facing, coupled with heavy winter rains that made winter sanitation difficult. That translates into the potential for aflatoxin,” said Tim Birmingham, ABC’s director of quality assurance and industry services. “That is what we heard from last year’s crop, and we know that weather and continued financial constraints handcuffed growers even more coming into this year’s crop.”

Navigating the path ahead 

Addressing this issue necessitates a comprehensive strategy that involves growers and handlers. For growers, the coming winter season presents an opportunity to intensify sanitation efforts, with a focus on eliminating mummy nuts to disrupt the aflatoxin cycle. This past winter proved difficult for growers with both precipitation limiting the application of sanitation practices, and market conditions that kept growers constrained by their bottom line.   

Although challenges may arise this winter, sanitation practices are the foundation to a strong integrated pest management system and are critical to help break the navel orangeworm and aflatoxin cycle. Additionally, growers should prioritize insect control for the upcoming year based on their damage reports. Navel orangeworm isn’t the only pest causing damage in almonds as plant bugs – leaffooted bugs and stink bugs – seemed to be a major contributor to damage for the 2021/2022 crop.

Post harvest management included 

Effective stockpile management after the product leaves the orchard is also a priority in helping to break the cycle. ABC will be communicating with handlers about proper stockpile management, emphasizing tools that handlers should review as they process the 2022/2023 crop.  

Birmingham said the situation in Europe should trigger some preemptive measures to avoid additional scrutiny. “Basically, European authorities closely watch the rejection rates: the more rejections they have, the more they will test for aflatoxin,” he said. “Even though we have a very robust protocol, every time a container is sampled and tested, there is a risk.”  Some preemptive measures those exporting to Europe can consider are tightening up of their internal testing limits and closely monitoring product quality to ensure it exceeds minimum requirements.  

The Almond Board emphasizes the importance of a prompt and comprehensive response to this issue, recognizing that the industry is under the scrutiny of the EU.  While the number of almond shipment rejections due to aflatoxin is still low, it is an issue that can spike quickly and that is why ABC is actively addressing the situation by staying in close contact with European authorities and stakeholders.  “The more they recognize the California industry understands the concern and is addressing it, the more confidence they have in our system.” Birmingham said. “It is an issue that requires collective action and collaboration among growers, handlers, and the entire industry.”