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Ochratoxin A contamination in dried figs – Detection of ochratoxin A above EU regulatory limits leading to border rejection.

RASFF Alert: Ochratoxin A in Turkish Dried Figs – EU Border Rejection

Recall Apr 04 , 2026

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Category of the Product: Dried Fruits (Dried Figs)

Type of the Product: Food Product – Mycotoxin Contamination / Ochratoxin A Risk

Reason for Announcement

Ochratoxin A contamination in dried figs – Detection of ochratoxin A above EU regulatory limits leading to border rejection.

A food safety alert has been issued through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) regarding a batch of dried figs originating from Turkey (RASFF 2026.1481) that was found to contain ochratoxin A levels exceeding the permitted limits during official border inspection in Germany.

According to the RASFF notice, the consignment was rejected on the German border on February 23, 2026, and the dried figs were stopped from entering the EU market, as the level of ochratoxin A was above the permitted limit in the dried figs imported from Turkey. Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin that occurs in certain fungi, which can be present in dried fruits as well as agricultural products due to adverse conditions during the harvesting, drying, and storage conditions. The border rejection was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure that contaminated products do not reach consumers within the European Union. [1]

Reason for Warning

The alert was raised following a laboratory analysis carried out during official border control in Germany, where it was observed that there were high levels of ochratoxin A (42.3 ± 16.9 µg/kg) in the dried figs.

Ochratoxin A is monitored in the EU because of its potential health risks as a mycotoxin with possible health implications such as kidney toxicity and other health risks when consumed over time.
The detection of contamination above regulatory limits required the immediate rejection of the shipment at the EU border, ensuring that the affected batch was not distributed within the EU market.  

Root Cause Analysis

Although the root cause of contamination is not established in this notification, ochratoxin A contamination of dried figs is generally associated with fungal growth during drying, storage, or transport conditions.

Dried figs are considered to have a high risk of contamination with fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, which may lead to ochratoxin A contamination if products are exposed to high temperatures and high humidity levels. Inadequate handling of fruits after harvest, inadequate drying, or improper storage could lead to contamination. The rejection of dried figs at the border is an indication of the need for strict monitoring for mycotoxin contamination, proper drying conditions, and storage. [2]

Product Description

Attribute

Details

Product

Dried figs

Origin

Turkey

Hazard Identified

Ochratoxin A (mycotoxin) at 42.3 ± 16.9 µg/kg (EU limit: 80 µg/kg)

Detection

Border inspection laboratory analysis

Action Taken

Border rejection

Notifying Country

Germany

Distribution

Shipment rejected before entering EU market

System

Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

Issue Identified

The critical issue identified is related to ochratoxin A contamination found in a shipment of dried figs imported from Turkey, which exceeded the regulatory limits (42.3 ± 16.9 µg/kg vs. EU limit of 80 µg/kg) set for mycotoxins in various food products within the European Union.

Ochratoxin A is a toxic secondary metabolite of certain molds, which tend to grow on improperly stored agricultural commodities. Consumption of foods contaminated with ochratoxin A may pose potential health risks.

The health concerns associated with ochratoxin exposure may include:

  • Kidney toxicity
  • Potential carcinogenic effects with long-term exposure
  • Immune system suppression
  • Possible liver toxicity in high exposure scenarios

Because dried fruits are commonly consumed directly without further processing, the presence of mycotoxins above regulatory limits requires immediate control measures such as border rejection or product withdrawal to protect consumers. [3]  

Concerns from Regulatory Body

The incident was reported through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), which enables rapid communication among EU member states regarding food safety risks. The RASFF notification (2026.1481) classified the contamination as a serious risk, leading to the border rejection of the shipment in Germany. Such measures prevent contaminated products from entering the EU food supply chain and ensure that food safety standards are maintained across member states.

Border inspections and laboratory testing are critical control mechanisms used by EU authorities to detect contaminants such as mycotoxins in imported food commodities, including dried fruits.​ [4]

RASFF Alert: Ochratoxin A in Turkish Dried Figs Rejection

Manufacturer / Consumer Guidance

For Manufacturers and Exporters:

  • Implement strict mycotoxin monitoring programs for dried fruits
  • Ensure proper drying processes to reduce the moisture levels in the figs
  • Maintain controlled storage conditions to prevent fungal growth
  • Conduct routine laboratory testing for ochratoxin A before export
  • Maintain traceability records and supplier verification procedures

For Importers and Distributors:

  • Verify compliance of imported dried fruit batches with EU mycotoxin limits
  • Conduct additional quality and safety checks upon receipt
  • Ensure documentation of laboratory testing and regulatory compliance​ [5]

FRL Commentary

The RASFF notification for ochratoxin A contamination of dried figs from Turkey underscores the risks of dried fruits to fungal contamination with mycotoxins during the post-harvesting processing and storage. Mycotoxin contamination remains one of the most significant food safety challenges in dried fruit supply chains. 

It is important for food producers and exporters to use effective drying technologies, moisture control, and routine mycotoxin testing programs to comply with food safety regulations in the European Union and avoid rejections of dried fruits at the borders.

Conclusion

The Black Sheep Egg Company has issued a recall of its 12- and 18-count cartons of Free-Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs after 40 samples of eggs from FDA environmental testing were found to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, which has seven strains that cause human illness. The eggs have a Best By date from August 22nd, 2025, to October 31st, 2025, and are distributed to companies in Arkansas and Missouri, which could have further distributed them to other states. The FDA recommends that consumers, retailers, and distributors should not eat, sell, or serve the eggs but instead return them if found.  

Contact Food Research Lab for food safety testing, Salmonella detection, and microbial risk assessment of egg and poultry products.

References

  1. S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA advises consumers, retailers, and distributors not to eat, sell, or serve recalled Black Sheep eggs. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-consumers-retailers-and-distributors-not-eat-sell-or-serve-recalled-black-sheep-egg
  2. Food Safety News. (2025). Black Sheep Egg Company recalls eggs after federal testing shows Salmonella. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/09/black-sheep-egg-company-recalls-eggs-after-federal-testing-shows-salmonella/
  3. (2025). The FDA just upgraded an egg recall to the highest severity level—are you affected? https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/the-fda-just-upgraded-an-egg-recall-to-the-highest-severity-level-are-you-affected/
  4. New Food Magazine. (2025). FDA expands egg recall, upgrades to Class I over Salmonella risk. https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/257225/fda-expands-egg-recall-upgrades-to-class-i-over-salmonella-risk/
  5. Times of India. (2025). FDA recalls eggs over potential Salmonella contamination fears: Here’s how to stay safe. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/fda-recalls-eggs-over-potential-salmonella-contamination-fears-heres-how-to-stay-safe/articleshow/124319826.cms
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