Go-ahead for mince pies
without worrying about the quality of the dried fruit ingredients,
according to a survey by the UK's Food Standards Agency.
British consumers can tuck in to mince pies and Christmas cake without worrying about the quality of the dried fruit ingredients, according to a survey by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The agency carried out a survey to assess levels of ochratoxin A, a substance produced naturally by certain moulds that grow on vine fruit, in certain products currently on sale in the UK. The FSA said that results found the vast majority of dried fruit products to be within legal limits of the substance, which in high concentrations is thought to be related to kidney disease and cancer.
Researchers found only one out of 200 dried vine fruit products tested had a level of ochratoxin A marginally higher than the legal limit, but it was thought highly unlikely to pose a risk to consumer health.
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 said it was working with industry and enforcement authorities to ensure ochratoxin A contamination was reduced to a minimum. It has contacted the only company with a product over the legal limit to discuss its quality assurance procedures.
