Christmas treats get the all clear*

Friday 29 November 2002

A Food Standards Agency survey suggests that dried fruit products are within the legal limits for a substance called ochratoxin A.

Researchers found that all the 200 dried vine fruit products they tested had a level of ochratoxin A below the legal limit.

Ochratoxin A is produced naturally by certain moulds that may grow on vine fruit. High concentrations of this toxin are thought to be related to kidney disease and cancer.

The survey was undertaken to provide current information on the levels of ochratoxin A in Christmas products, including mincemeat, mince pies, Christmas cake and puddings. The samples were taken from shops around the UK.

'This result provides reassurance about the quality of dried fruit used in Christmas puddings, mince pies, and other similar seasonal foods,' said Steve Wearne, Head of Chemical Contaminants at the Food Standards Agency. 'However, we will continue to monitor both dried vine fruits and other food for ochratoxin A contamination.'

The Agency is working with industry and enforcement authorities to ensure ochratoxin A contamination is reduced to a minimum.

* This story has been updated from the original published version