March 25, 2013

Romania, the Netherlands detect aflatoxin in animal fodder

The Netherlands as well as Romania have detected aflatoxin in milk and animal fodder.

Farmers' organisations in the Netherlands expressed caution and warned not to use other corn or fodder than of local origin. This could hurt Romania's corn exports under the circumstances that the country holds strong export potential.

Aflatoxins are a group of chemicals produced by certain mould fungi. Aflatoxins are harmful or fatal to livestock and are considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to animals and humans. Aflatoxin levels are highest during hot, dry summers like it was the case last year.

Dutch food security body NVWA spotted high aflatoxin concentrations in the fodder imported from Romania and Serbia. Romanian authorities in their turn spotted aflatoxin in Hungarian, Serbian as well as local milk. The fodder from Hungary has also featured high aflatoxin levels.

According to Romania's Agriculture Ministry, the country had favourable weather conditions for winter grains in the fall of 2012 and winter of 2013. Precipitation in that period replenished soil moisture reserves and ensured optimal crop development, while a slight temperature increase promoted gradual resumption of growth.