Peanut seizure at Genoa port due to mycotoxin

Six hundred kilograms of in-shell peanuts from China were seized by the Guardia di Finanza and the Genoa Customs Office at the port of Genoa because of the presence of Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin known for its genotoxic and carcinogenic properties, in excess of the levels allowed by the European Union. The seizure followed the results of a routine product analysis performed by the Chemical Laboratories of the Customs and Monopolies Agency. The product, intended for a Tuscan company operating in the food wholesale sector, was identified as a potential health hazard for consumers. The legal representative of the importing company was reported to the relevant judicial authorities for selling foodstuffs that were not genuine but presented as such. Aflatoxin can be present in several foods, including peanuts, nuts, maize, rice, figs, and other dried fruits, as well as spices, crude vegetable oils, and cocoa beans. This is due to the potential for fungal contamination at various stages of the harvesting process.