The
Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced that “effective immediately” it
will be holding all imports of organic corn from India until it has been tested
for aflotoxind and determined to be safe as livestock feed.
Who knew we were importing corn from India?
“This
is to prevent contamination of livestock feed in order to protect Canadian
livestock and public health,” says the CFIA.
“This
action is being taken as high levels of aflatoxin have been detected in organic
feed corn originating from India.
“Importers
must sample the imported corn, including organic corn, upon arrival in Canada
and provide test results to the CFIA.
“The
sampling must be done immediately after arrival at the Canadian destination
because mould can grow and produce aflatoxins during shipping.
“Sampling
and analysis conducted prior to shipping will not be accepted,” says the CFIA
today on its website.
“The
importation of corn or other feed ingredients containing levels of aflatoxin in
excess of 20 parts per billion and/or deemed to be musty, mouldy or damaged
from heat or any other cause that would render the feed unfit or unsafe for
feeding, is a contravention of the Feeds Regulations (i.e., sections
19(1)(i) and 19(1)(c) respectively).
“Importers,
purchasers, feed manufacturers and livestock producers are encouraged to
request further information from their suppliers regarding the source of any
corn, and contaminant specifications of any ingredients, they are purchasing.”
