In cooperation with the Customs Authority in Prague, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority detained a consignment of almonds originating from the USA. The consignment was detained on the borders. The reason for this was the content of aflatoxins exceeding fivefold the limits. The consignment weighing 9,5 tons contained 420 packages of natural shelled almonds.

On the basis of laboratory results, the CAFIA sent a binding opinion to the Customs Authorities not to release this consignment into free circulation onto the CR territory. The importer may now return it to its supplier or he has to destroy it. Other EU member countries were notified of the case through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) as well.

Import of dry shelled fruits from certain countries, such as almonds from the USA, peanuts from China, pistachios from Iran etc., is subjected to a specific regime. This year CAFIA has already detained an unwholesome consignment of 20 tons of peanuts originating from China which also contained aflatoxins exceeding the limits.

Due to the CAFIA measures, such contaminated consignments do not enter the European market at all and then consumers are not posed to any threats.