The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has dispatched a technical delegation to Kerman Province to assess and improve sampling and laboratory testing procedures for detecting contaminants in pistachios.As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Iranian pistachio export standards, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has dispatched a technical delegation to Kerman Province to assess and improve sampling and laboratory testing procedures for detecting contaminants in pistachios — one of Iran’s most valuable export commodities.The three-day mission was conducted under the joint Technical Cooperation Project of FAO and Ministry of Agriculture Jahad, titled “Improving Pistachio Production and Export through Establishment of Integrated Product Management,” and accompanied by Benoit Glaud, FAO International Consultant for Laboratory Development and Improvement.The mission aimed to evaluate sampling and analysis methods used in controlling mycotoxin (aflatoxin) levels in pistachios, in line with the EU Regulation 2023/2782, which sets maximum levels for contaminants in food.The FAO delegation visited Iranian Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) laboratories under the Ministry of Health, private-sector facilities including pistachio processing terminals, and pilot orchards across Kerman and Rafsanjan, as well as the Iranian Pistachio Research Institute (IPRI).During these visits, the team observed and assessed sampling procedures, testing protocols, and quality management systems for pistachios intended for both domestic and international markets.In addition to assessments, two training workshops were delivered by FAO, one of which was by Benoit Glaud for laboratory staff and traders focusing on the best international practices in sampling, aflatoxin detection, testing result quality controls, and regulatory compliance. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Mehr News Agency