USDA adds ochratoxin A testing for pistachios exported to European Union
The testing of OTA, a mycotoxin, was added to the existing Laboratory Approval Program for Analysis of Aflatoxins, and the program was rebranded to the Laboratory Approval Program for Analysis of Mycotoxins.
The re-branded program is effective Jan. 13, 2023. Laboratories must be approved under the LAP-Mycotoxins to provide OTA testing for pistachios destined for the EU. Five laboratories were approved and the LAP-Mycotoxins Official Listing of USDA and USDA-Approved Laboratories was updated to reflect the approved laboratories.
Through the LAP-Mycotoxins, AMS’ Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) approves, or accredits, laboratories to perform testing services in support of domestic and international trade. At the request of industry, other federal agencies, or foreign governments, LAS administers laboratory approval programs to verify that the analysis of food and agricultural products meet country or customer-specified requirements and ensures that the testing of products to be marketed is conducted by qualified and approved laboratories. LAP requirements include good laboratory, quality assurance and control practices, applicable domestic and international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025), established methods and accepted equipment, and audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate and pay program fees.