Germany Reports Aflatoxins in Red Chili Powder from Syria

Germany's RASFF notification documents the detection of Aflatoxin B1 at 64.0 µg/kg in Red Chili Powder from Syria, a level exceeding the EU maximum residue limit of 5 µg/kg by more than 12-fold. The contamination was identified through official sampling on 11 March 2026, and Germany confirmed that no stock remained in the supply chain, having completed withdrawal from the market, consumer recall, and destruction of the affected product.\n\nFood business operators importing, manufacturing, or distributing herbs and spices—especially those sourced from Syria or other regions with known aflatoxin prevalence—should review their supplier control programs and mycotoxin testing protocols. The substantial margin of exceedance (more than 12x the limit) indicates a severe contamination event that may reflect inadequate pre-export controls or sourcing from high-risk origins. Suppliers should ensure that incoming raw materials undergo appropriate laboratory analysis for aflatoxins before release.