SARAJEVO, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) forbade imports of 20.16 tons of walnut from Romania on Tuesday due to excess presence of aflatoxin B1.
The phytosanitary inspection of Republika Srpska (RS) prohibited the import of this shipment as part of a regular inspection of foreign trade, the inspectorate said in a statement on Tuesday.
The ban was given after laboratory analysis showed aflatoxin B1 presence of 2.58 micrograms per kilograms in this shipment of walnut, exceeding the limit of 2.0 micrograms.
Aflatoxin B1 is poisonous substance that is found all over the world. It can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock.
Aflatoxin B1 is potent carcinogens and may affect all organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys, causing cancer, according to the World Heath Organization.
