Aflatoxin above permitted level in Serbian product, Armend Muja orders recall and bans imports

Minister Armend Muja has announced temporary preventive measures and tighter controls on aflatoxin, aimed at ensuring food safety and protecting consumers’ health.

In a Facebook post, Muja said the decision followed confirmation that the maximum permitted level of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) had been exceeded in the “SELECT MILK GR” concentrate for dairy cows, produced by DE HEUS D.O.O. in the Republic of Serbia.

The minister ordered the product to be withdrawn from circulation, the remaining quantities to be isolated and its distribution traced.

At the same time, a temporary preventive measure, effective for 30 days, was imposed to ban imports of corn-based concentrates and mixtures for dairy cows and calves. The measure applies to products under tariff code 2309909600 that originate in or are produced in the Republic of Serbia.

During this period, the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) must prepare a documented risk assessment. Further action will be determined on the basis of this assessment.

Increased checks have also been ordered for the presence of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in corn and corn-based products used as animal feed. During the initial phase, intensive inspections, sampling and laboratory analyses will be carried out in accordance with the measures set out in the decision.

The measures are temporary and preventive, and will be reviewed based on laboratory results and the risk assessment.

According to the minister’s announcement, the aim is to identify the risk at its source, prevent non-compliant products from entering the food chain and protect citizens’ health.

Muja stressed that food safety requires continuous inspections and an evidence-based response. He added that when laboratory results indicate the presence of a risk, institutions must act promptly and in accordance with the law.