July 15, 2009
The
European Food Safety Authority has
launched a call for proposals to study the
potential increase in aflatoxin B1 in
cereals in the EU as a result of climate
change. Aflatoxin B1 is a mycotoxin produced
by moulds which grow on certain cereals
including maize, wheat and rice. It is
particularly prevalent in hot and humid
climates and is carcinogenic.
Based on different climate change scenarios,
the aim of the project is to gather and
analyse data on aflatoxin B1 in order to
build predictive models, define scenarios
and create maps highlighting potential
future contamination of cereal crops. The
results will help to inform any future work
in this area by EFSA and give an indication
of potential emerging food contamination by
mycotoxins in the EU due to climate change.
The project is being coordinated by EFSA’s
Emerging Risks Unit, which has identified
this issue as a potential area of concern.
Scientific organisations designated by the
EU member states have until 7 September 2009
to submit proposals. The selected
applicant(s) will receive a grant of up to
€250,000 from EFSA.
BACKGROUND
- Under Article 36 of its Founding Regulation, EFSA regularly provides grants to competent organisations, designated by the EU member states, to provide assistance in areas such as data collection and other preparatory work for the development of its opinions. Since the launch of the scheme in 2007, some 28 such grants have so far been agreed or are currently in negotiation, worth a total of around €3.8 million.
- EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) has adopted two separate opinions on aflatoxins in nuts, firstly in January 2007 and and a statement on the level of aflatoxins in tree nuts other than almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios in June 2009.
- The CONTAM Panel also adopted an opinion related to aflatoxin B1 as an undesirable substance in animal feed in 2004.