voluntary aflatoxin sampling plan (VASP) program Presented by the Almond Board of California Table of Contents Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) Program Manual ..................................................1 Almond Industry Programs for Aflatoxin Control .......................................................................8 Example Documents ..............................................................................................................................11 U.S. Goods Return Procedures .........................................................................................................15 Memorandum of Understanding ......................................................................................................18 Map of USDA Approved Labs ..........................................................................................................20 Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (VASP) Program Manual Purpose ing. Based on confidence in the VASP program, EU commission regulation (EC No 1152/2009) The VASP program was developed by the Cali- directed that consignments shipped with a VASP fornia Almond industry to provide an aflatoxin certificate be subject to random controls and sampling plan for the analysis of ready-to-eat those without a VASP certificate be subject to product with equivalency to that being used by 100% controls. the European Union (EU) for official testing of in- coming consignments. The program is intended Program description to reduce the number of consignments rejected in the EU by sampling and controlling each lot There are numerous parties involved in the VASP for aflatoxin to the same stringent accept or re- program, each with specific roles and responsibil- ject levels adopted by the European Commission ities as shown under “VASP Participants and Re- prior to shipping. sponsibilities” later in this manual. The VASP pro- gram revolves around industrywide uniform sam- Background pling practices, USDA approved laboratory afla- toxin analyses, specified accept or reject criteria, From 2004 through 2006 there were increased and standard reporting of results on an eVASP rejections of almond consignments in the EU certificate. In addition to following the sampling due to detections of aflatoxin in the product at and analysis protocol, those parties (such as higher levels than that allowed by the EU. As a handlers) directly involved in the process should result, the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control conducted an audit mission in September of Point (HACCP) or equivalent-type programs to 2006 to assess the aflatoxin control systems in effectively control and minimize the potential for place within the California Almond industry for aflatoxin in the product (see page 12: Voluntary consignments destined for shipment to the EU. Aflatoxin Sampling Programs). Shown on page 13 Subsequently, the European Commission ad- is a flow chart describing the basic steps in the opted Special Measures for all almond consign- process and responsible parties from the time of ments shipped to the EU. The VASP program sampling throughout analysis, reporting of re- was created by the ABC to allow the industry the sults and shipping of consignments. opportunity to control and test for aflatoxin prior to shipping, thereby demonstrating the industry’s commitment and avoiding excessive mandatory controls on imports. The EU agreed that those consignments shipped with a VASP certificate would be subject to less stringent controls, for example, 5% controls vs. the 100% for consign- ments shipped without a VASP certificate. In January of 2009, the FVO conducted a follow- up mission to reassess the control systems in place, including a thorough review of the USDA- approved laboratory program for aflatoxin test- (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 1 Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Figure 1. VASP Program Flow Chart VASP program applicability The VASP program is applicable for ready-to-eat 1. SAMPLING 2. SAMPLE (RTE) almonds, as well as manufactured goods DROP-OFF containing almonds, destined for shipment to 20 kg aggregate sample is collected Aggregate sample the EU. However, VASP certificates will be issued in line or via probing is transported to the only if the product meets the “accept” criteria es- of finished product. laboratory. Handler- Samples are initiated draft VASP tablished by the EU for RTE product as shown in packaged in opaque certificate MUST Table 1 below. plastic bags or accompany the VASP cardboard. sample submitted. Table 1. Accept Limits for VASP Analysis and Certificate Issuance Lot is reworked via Maximum Aflatoxin Levels Laboratory Laboratory manual or electronic 3. LABORATORY Allowed (ppb) Sample 1 Sample 2 sorting. Repeat ANALYSIS Size Size steps 1-3. The sample is split B1 8 10 kg 10 kg into two 10 kg lab Total 10 samples. Each lab sample is individually ground and a 150 Product sampling 4A. FAILED VASP g test portion ANALYSIS analyzed for B1 and total aflatoxin. There is a certain amount of variability attributed One or both 10 kg lab Results are reported samples tests greater to sampling, sample preparation and analysis, on the eVASP than 10 ppb total website. Passed which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate aflatoxin OR greater eVASP certificates estimate of the true aflatoxin concentration in a than 8 ppb B1. may be issued and lot. One source of uncertainty is due to the non- signed, while failed eVASP certificates uniform distribution of aflatoxin contamination in will advance to the a given lot. In order to select a representative handler’s “failed” bucket. 20 kg aggregate sample from a lot, it is impor- ALTERNATE USE tant to collect a large number of incremental subsamples throughout the lot. The European Commission has established sampling protocols for nuts for official mycotoxin control (Commis- 4B. PASSED VASP sion Regulation EC No 401/206). In order to ANALYSIS *Rejections in the remain consistent within the industry and reduce EU will be monitored Both 10 kg samples variability, participants in the VASP program by the ABC. Each test less than 10 ppb quarter all data will total aflatoxin and B1 should implement a similar sampling protocol for be analyzed and less than 8 ppb. product shipped to the EU with a VASP certifi- adjustmens (tighter tolerances) may cate. An example of such a sampling program is be made for VASP shown in Tables 2 and 3, on following pages. Certificate accept/ reject criteria CERTIFICATE ISSUED - EU SHIPMENT 2 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Table 2. Recommended Minimum Number and Size of Incremental Samples per Lot Sampling Type Total Aggregate Lot Size (lbs) # of incremental Incremental Sample Size Sample Size Samples Grams Pounds In-Line, Packaged 20 kg (44 lbs.) < 10,000 60 330 .75 Product or Manu- 10,000 - 20,000 80 250 .55 factured Goods Sampling 20,001 - 44,000 100 200 .44 (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14) scribes the following: be collected from the lot to provide a good - Sampling frequency and incremental sample representation of the entire lot. Once all of the size control practices incremental samples are pooled, the total ag- - Sampling record and log gregate sample should equal 20 kg (44 lbs.) at a - HACCP-type program for aflatoxin control minimum. A lot number or ID should be assigned - Employee VASP training to this sample and will be required on your - VASP certificate documentation VASP certificate and on each carton or bin that is shipped. The 20 kg aggregate sample should SOPs must be made available to the ABC be collected and stored in opaque plastic bags, when requested for audit purposes. boxes or other suitable opaque container. If a sample is not immediately submitted to a USDA- (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:94)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:180)(cid:69)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:14) approved laboratory for analysis, then it should should be maintained for all sampling activi- be stored under similar conditions as the lot ties. Both in-line and packaged product sam- that it represents. The 20 kg aggregate sample pling require documentation of the following: should be delivered to the laboratory along with - Sampling frequency the handler-initiated VASP draft certificate as in- - Laboratory sample size dicated in the sample submission section below. - Lot code and product description After delivery, the laboratory will divide the 20 - Lot size kg aggregate sample into two 10 kg lab samples. - Aggregate sample size (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:63)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:14) For packaged-product sampling or manual responsible for collecting VASP samples in-line sampling, an operator log sheet should should be properly trained on VASP proto- be filled out as the sample is taken. It should cols including sampling, recordkeeping and include the time the sample was taken, the size aflatoxin control (HACCP type) principles. A of the sample and the operator initials. For personnel training record should be kept for all automatic in-line sampling, a log sheet should employees involved in the VASP program and be maintained verifying periodically that the be made available to the ABC when requested sampler is appropriately collecting samples. for audit purposes. An example of a manual in-line sampling sheet is shown on page 13 of this section. (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:61)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14) (cid:22)(cid:65)(cid:61)(cid:62)(cid:97)(cid:23)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)- Sampling records must be made available to velop a standard operating procedure that de- the ABC when requested for audit purposes. (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 3 Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Table 3. Sampling Type and Description Sampling Type (cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:83) Sampling Description In-Line Sampling In-line sampling is pre- Pull samples at defined time intervals throughout the run to ensure repre- ferred when it is known sentation of entire lot. that a given production lot will be shipped to the Sampling can be automatic or manual. EU and a mechanism ex- ists to collect samples Base total # of samples and sample size on total lot size using guidelines during the run. shown in Table 2. Example 1: 40,000-lb. lot to be processed and packed over a 10-hour period. # of samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 100 (cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97) Samples to draw = 100 samples ÷ 10 hours = 10 samples per hour 60 min. per hour = 10 samples per hour = 6 minutes per sample In this case, in-line sampling should be set up so that one 200-gram sample is pulled every 6 minutes. Packaged (Finished) Packaged or finished- Probe a representative number of bins, boxes or other containers as Product Sampling product sampling is to be appropriate to ensure representation of the entire lot. (e.g., bins, boxes, used when unsampled/ etc.) tested product has been Base total # of samples per container and sample size on total lot size packaged and then cho- using guidelines shown in Table 2. sen for shipment to the EU, and/or when in-line If probing sealed bins, boxes, cartons, etc., it is important to seal the sampling is not available. probe hole and initial and date it so that the customer knows it was not tampered with. Example 2: 15,000-lb. lot packaged in 50-lb. boxes = 40 boxes per pallet. # of samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 80 (cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97) Total # of boxes = 15,000 lbs. ÷ 50 lbs. per box = 300 Total # of pallets = 300 boxes ÷ 40 boxes per pallet = 7.5 pallets # samples needed per pallet = 80 samples ÷ 7.5 pallets = 10-11 samples per pallet In this case, finished-product sampling should be conducted so that 10 to 11 250-gram samples are pulled from each full pallet (individual boxes) with a total of 80 samples drawn. Packaged or finished- Probe a representative number of bins, boxes or other containers as product sampling is to be appropriate to ensure representation of the entire lot. used when unsampled/ tested product has been Base total # of samples per container and sample size on total lot size packaged and then cho- using guidelines shown in Table 2. sen for shipment to the EU, and/or when in-line If probing sealed bins, boxes, cartons, etc., it is important to seal the sampling is not available. probe hole and initial and date it so that the customer knows it was not tampered with. Example 3: 44,000-lb. lot packaged in 2,200-lb. bins = 20 bins. # of Samples to pull (based on guideline in Table 2) = 100 (cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:23)(cid:14)(cid:43)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:97) Total # of bins = 20 # samples needed per bin = 100 samples ÷ 20 bins = 5 samples per bin In this case, finished-product sampling should be conducted so that five 200-gram samples are pulled from different locations throughout each bin. (If probing through the bin, the hole should be sealed with a signature and notation that probing was for VASP analysis.) 4 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Sample submission to indicate whether the product was sampled by in-house staff or an outside third party. If Once the 20 kg aggregate sample is collected, sampled by a third party, indicate the name it should be stored in an opaque plastic or card- and address. Please note: below the Sampling board container under the same conditions in Agency box, there is another empty box. This which the lot it represents is stored. Prior to box is used for any shipping notes. The pur- submitting the aggregate sample to a USDA- pose is to add more description as needed. approved laboratory, an eVASP draft Certificate For instance, if a partial load is shipped you of Aflatoxin Sampling and Analyses must be filled can make reference to that in the Shipping out by the applicant, as seen on page 14. To fill Notes section. out a certificate, the applicant must log into the eVASP system. Once logged in, the applicant will (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:58)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:180)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:14)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) select the “New VASP Form” tab and then fill out drop-down menu. the appropriate sections of the form as follows: (cid:146) Sampling Information: (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:99)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:27)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:99)- sample was collected. lated based on the log-in credentials. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:23)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:14) Union. This allows flexibility on delivery to (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:81)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92) any country within the EU. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:49)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:180)(cid:52)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:103)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:14) (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:48)(cid:103)(cid:180)(cid:51)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:100)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)- the crop was harvested. sponsible for collecting the sample. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) description used here match the Ocean Bill After the draft certificate is filled out, the ap- of Lading and/or invoice. plicant is ready to click the “Save Draft” button. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:17)(cid:14)(cid:61)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:98)(cid:81)(cid:28)(cid:180)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) The draft certificate can then be reviewed and a numbers accurately represent the lot and hard copy printed out by using the “Print to PDF” add up to the total pounds of the lot. button. The hard copy of the draft certificate - (cid:58)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:93)(cid:28)(cid:29)(cid:55)(cid:50)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:89)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:61)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:99)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14) must be provided to the lab for each sample sub- or ID should be assigned to each sample mitted. Labs will not conduct an analysis without submitted to the lab. Make sure that this (cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:103)(cid:14) number matches the paperwork and what is to submit the sample for analysis, the “Submit to printed on the containers, bins, etc. The sec- Lab” button must be clicked. Doing so will place ond field is optional and must also appear the analysis request in the lab’s in-box. on each carton or bin. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:58)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:87)(cid:104)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14) VASP analysis and reporting pounds that the VASP analysis represents. Please note: After analyses is completed, (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:61)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:100)- there is an option to issue certificates that ered to the USDA-approved lab, the analysis represent a partial lot. This can be done will be conducted according to specific pro- multiple times until the total pounds repre- gram protocols. Once the results are obtained, sented by the certificate is reached. they are entered by the lab in the reporting section of the VASP certificate. For each of (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:103)(cid:180)(cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:93)(cid:102)(cid:14) the two 10 kg laboratory samples, if the results (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 5 Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs exceed the total aflatoxin limit of 10 ppb or 8 “Failed” bucket automatically. The certificate B1, then the certificate will automatically be will be locked and unable to be issued. As part placed into a “Failed” bucket and will not be of the VASP program, participants agree that available for issuance. If the results are within prior to retesting, any failed lots will be further the EU limits of 10 ppb total and 8 B1, then the processed with electronic, hand or other sort- certificate will be available for issuance at the ing means to remove damaged nuts and lower applicant’s request. Certificates that pass are levels of aflatoxin in the lot. If further process- automatically moved into the “Submitted to ing is not an option, then participants agree to Issue/Sign” bucket. The certificate will stay in divert the lot to other non-EU outlets. this bucket until the applicant is ready to have the certificate issued. VASP participants and responsibilities (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:191)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:97)(cid:99)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)- (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:54)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:99)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:87)- plicants are ready to ship a full or partial lot of (cid:94)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:47)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:184)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:83)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:92)- product to the EU, they can request that the derstanding (MOU), VASP participants agree certificate be issued (assuming the sample to adhere to the VASP program as described in has been analyzed) only if the aflatoxin limits this manual. Specific provisions of the program are within the acceptable limits as described require the following: above and shown in Table 1. The applicant initi- - Implementation of a Hazard Analysis and ates this process by logging into the eVASP Critical Control Points (HACCP)-type pro- system and following the prompts to enter a gram for addressing aflatoxin control. certificate. The applicant will be required to - Proper training of individuals responsible for enter the total pounds being shipped. Please implementing VASP sampling protocol. note: The total pounds shipped cannot ex- - Compliance with audit activities associated ceed the total pounds previously listed in the with verification of sampling procedures, Products Description section of the certificate. VASP documentation and training. However if the applicant wishes to ship a par- - Agreement to allow company name to be in- tial load, they can enter fewer pounds than cluded on a published VASP participant list. indicated in the Products Description section. - Utilization of eVASP or equivalent The applicant should mention this in the Ship- ABC-approved system. ping Notes section of the certificate. Once the - Accompaniment of VASP certificate with all applicant finalizes the certificate and selects EU shipments. it to be issued, the lab is notified. The lab will - Agreement to retest failed lots only after ap- then print out the certificate and finalize it by propriately reprocessing. signing an original copy in blue ink and ap- - Agreement to not ship California almonds plying an official USDA stamp in red ink. The from another country to the EU unless ap- original signed copy must be returned to the propriate testing equivalent to VASP has applicant and included with the lot (or partial been conducted and levels are below the lot) shipped to the EU. limits adopted by the EU. (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:52)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:102)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:14) (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:68)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:93)- set forth by the EU and shown in Table 1 of this gram requires utilization of USDA-approved document, the certificate will be placed into a laboratories for conducting aflatoxin analysis. 6 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs A list of currently approved laboratories can be found on the ABC website. As part of the program, USDA-approved labs are required to conform to specific standards and require- ments as set forth by the USDA. These include, but are not limited to, participation in annual FAPAS international proficiency test, periodic spiked and check sample analyses and report- ing, and annual USDA audits. In addition, prior to being accepted as a USDA approved lab, there is a rigorous review process and strict performance criteria that must be demon- strated. As part of the program, USDA-approved VASP laboratories must agree to use the eVASP sys- tem of reporting. (cid:146)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:23) (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14) program and assists with issuance and re- porting of VASP certificates as needed, and it serves as a resource for program questions and modifications. The ABC also assists the USDA in the validation and over- sight activities associated with the approved laboratories. In cooperation with USDA in the U.S. Capital, its overseas offices and Eu- ropean authorities, ABC monitors issues re- lated to almond import controls in EU ports. As needed, the ABC assists with options to address loads rejected in the EU. (cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14) ensure that VASP participants (handlers and manufacturers) are adhering to the princi- ples as detailed in this manual and agreed to by signing the MOU. As such, periodic au- dits will occur to verify that VASP practices are in place and being followed by signees of the MOU. (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28) 7 Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Programs Almond Industry Programs for Aflatoxin Control Growers and Handlers Share and will grow on nutmeats that have been dam- Responsibility (cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:96)- chard or in the stockpile, high moisture content and high temperatures favor mold growth. The intention of the almond industry’s food safe- ty programs is to provide a healthful, safe food There are several critical steps that growers that will meet the intended needs of our custom- should take to minimize navel orangeworm dam- ers and represent good value. Our production, age and subsequent mold growth, which leads to harvest, delivery, storage, processing and quality aflatoxin contamination. systems are designed to provide a safe and sani- tary product for our customers. (cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:180)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:99)(cid:91)(cid:91)(cid:103)(cid:14) nuts (those that remain on the tree after harvest). Food safety begins in the orchard with the imple- (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14) mentation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). remove mummy nuts from the tree by shaking or Almond-specific GAPs have been developed by poling until there is an average of fewer than two the Almond Board of California (ABC) as an im- nuts per tree. portant first step in food safety. In addition to developing GAPs, the ABC has funded research Mummies must be removed before budswell, or to better understand the contributing factors to by Feb. 1. Destroy mummies on the ground by aflatoxin development in almonds at both the or- disking or flail mowing by March 15. Removing chard level and during postharvest handling and and destroying mummy nuts not only reduces the storage. (cid:83)(cid:102)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:27)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:97)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:14) during the next growing season, it also chops the Handlers are required to take all reasonable mea- mummies into pieces too small to be accidently sures and precautions to comply with Good Man- swept up with the next year’s harvest and con- ufacturing Practices (GMPs). GMPs are mandated taminating next year’s harvest with aflatoxin. by the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 21 (CFR 21) part 110. These are general requirements that (cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:180)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:94)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14) all handlers must follow. As food manufacturers, (cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:192)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:102)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:14) almond handlers may be audited by state or fed- as soon as possible after the nuts are mature. eral authorities at any time without prior notice Maturity is reached when 95% of nuts are at hull- to ensure compliance with GMPs and to verify split at the 6 to 8-foot level of the tree canopy. sanitation programs. Harvesting early and removing nuts from the or- chard promptly can prevent a third generation of Aflatoxin Prevention in Orchards (cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:27)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:103)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:100)(cid:93)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:91)- age on the new crop. Aflatoxins are produced by certain molds, mainly (cid:55)(cid:92)(cid:27)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:180)(cid:55)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14) of the Aspergillus genus. The mold spores are early-harvest guidelines are followed, an in-sea- found in the soil and in dust in the air. The spores (cid:97)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:97)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:14) (cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:84)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:92)(cid:79)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:101)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:69)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:14) harvest sample can help determine if treatments 8 (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:146)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:35)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:34)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:93)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:93)(cid:84)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:28)