INTERVENTIONS TO CONTROL AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN PISTACHIO NUTS: IRAN EXPERIENCE

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ABSTRACT Pistachio nut is an important agricultural and economical commodity in Iran. Annually, several hundred tons of pistachio nuts are produced in Iran. Therefore, the country earns substantial amount of hard currency from exporting pistachio nuts. In addition, livelihood of some million people in pistachio‐growing area depends on this crop. Traditionally, the European Union (EU) has been one of the major destinations of pistachio exported from Iran. Pistachio nuts are rich sources of fat, and contain linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. However, they are among the commodities with the highest risk of aflatoxins (AF) contamination. As a consequence of detection of unacceptable level of AF in pistachio consignments arriving in EU ports in 1997, special conditions were imposed on Iran pistachio entering the EU. Therefore, extensive efforts were made to overcome the problem. Iranian authorities in collaboration with EU authorities planned a multi‐approach intervention to prevent and control AF contamination of Iran pistachio nuts. Iran experience to prevent and control AF contamination in pistachio nuts was fruitful, and Iran pistachio nuts now have significantly lower level of AF contamination. In addition to economic aspects, these improvements have greatly contributed to protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDespite the nutritional value of pistachio nuts, their susceptibility to aflatoxins (AF) contamination is a potential health hazard. This might cause substantial economical losses to the producers as well. In the past decade, Iran, as the largest pistachio producer in the world, has implemented effective interventions to control AF in pistachios. Implemented interventions such as establishing an efficient decision‐making system, focusing on preventive methods, applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, good agricultural practice and good storage practice guidelines, and using accurate and sensitive sampling and analytical methods proved to be effective. As a consequence, in regard to AF contamination, Iran pistachio nut is now substantially safer. Obviously, this has contributed to the protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination. From the economical point of view, increasing volume of consumable pistachio nuts will also improve the country's earning from pistachio trade without culturing more orchards.