Switzerland is withdrawing flour from Serbia because of an ingredient that can cause esophageal tumors

According to information from the RASFF website, the permitted amount of mycotoxin fumonizim is 1000 micrograms per kilogram, and in a sample of flour from Of Serbia, taken on March 12, 2024, the presence of that mycotoxin fumonizim was detected in a larger quantity than allowed.

There were 1388 micrograms per kilogram in white flour, and 1585 micrograms per kilogram in yellow flour, which is 38 percent and 58 percent more than the permitted amount, it was announced on RASFF. New Economy reported.

The risk of using the product was assessed as "potentially serious", so the product was recalled from consumers.

Microtoxins in corn

Fumonisins belong to the group of mycotoxins synthesized by molds of the genus Fusarium. They are most often found on corn and corn products, barley, wheat and oats.

Its toxic effect can cause esophageal tumor.

In the past year, there have been several cases of returns of products originating in Serbia due to illegal substances or those whose values ​​were in greater quantities than prescribed.

History of suspicious goods

In March 2024, the Netherlands withdrew sour cherries from Serbia from the market due to a large amount of pesticides, a high level of toxins was also found in ground pepper from Serbia, and metalaxyl was found in large quantities in cucumbers originating from Serbia that were intended for the Slovenian market.

Almost a year ago, acrylamide, a substance considered carcinogenic, was found in chips that were to be exported to Croatia.

As explained by the manufacturer, there were 33 pallets of ribbed chips with paprika, in which a discrepancy in the level of acrylamide was found.

Not long after, peaches were also returned from the border with Croatia, in which more pesticides than allowed were found, and it was not the first time that a shipment of peaches was returned to Serbia.

In July 2023, a shipment of smoked salmon was returned from the border of Serbia with Croatia due to the bacteria that causes listeriosis, and in the same month peaches were returned from the border with Slovenia due to a high concentration of the pesticide chlorpyrifos.

Due to the same pesticide and potential health risk, in August 2023, plums from Serbia were also returned from the border with Croatia.

In October 2023, two shipments from Serbia were stopped, one intended for the Slovenian market, the other for Croatia, and frozen blackberries were returned to Serbia due to the excessive presence of iprodione, a nutritional supplement characterized as potentially risky, containing "unauthorized substances".

Source: New Economy