Heavy Metal Guidelines for Milk, Juices

GENEVA - Jul 6/01 - STAT -- The Codex Alimentarius Commission approved a series of new maximum levels of environmental contaminants, particularly lead, cadmium, and aflatoxin, found in food, such as fruit juices, cereals, and milk at its latest meeting here.

"The work of the Codex Commission on toxic substances is particularly important given the long-term health risks for consumers, especially children," said Alan Randell, Secretary of the Codex Commission.

"For example, lead is detrimental to the intellectual development of young children and the new standards adopted by the Commission definitely improve the current situation. Nevertheless there is more work to do and the Commission will continue to work on the issue," Randell said.

The Codex Commission also set maximum levels of aflatoxin in milk and milk products. Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic substance that can be transmitted from animal feed (for examples, peanuts and corn) into milk. The new maximum limit for aflatoxin in milk is 0.5 micrograms per kilogram.

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