The European Union plans to make regulations on mycotoxins in cereals stricter, over food safety concerns. However, the new thresholds would see a substantial proportion of the UK’s oats removed from the food chain.

The new, lower threshold levels for T2 and HT2 mycotoxins would exclude around 16 per cent of UK oats. The decision, which is currently the subject of talks in Brussels, has been criticised by farming groups, including the NFU, who claim the European Food Safety Authority has concluded that there is no health risk from the current levels in cereal grains in European diets.

However, the move has been backed by a number of member states. Ian Backhouse, chair of the Copa-Cogeca cereals working group, which represents all EU farming unions, told a high-level conference meeting in Brussels today that introducing new tolerance levels must be rejected.  

He said, “Quite rightly Europe leaves no margin for error when it comes to the safety of its food products. That is why we already have rigorous checks in place to ensure cereals are safe for human consumption, but we do not want to see the European Commission rejecting scientific advice from EFSA and over regulating the industry for no obvious benefit.”

Mr Backhouse said that, if passed, the new regulations would run contrary to requests that farmers should produce more food to feed a growing population and the decision of the EFSA.

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