They are a must in fruit bread: dried figs. The Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor checked the quality of the dried fruit at the beginning of Advent. The result was anything but positive: mold toxins were found in seven of the eleven products and two samples were unsuitable for consumption.
Eleven products from conventional and organic agriculture were analyzed, the majority of which came from Turkey. Tenuazonic acid levels were found to have been exceeded in seven samples.
It is a fungal poison that is generally considered to be of concern, but there is no legally binding maximum level, the Chamber of Labor (AK) said. However, according to an EU recommendation, food manufacturers are obliged to determine the causes if the guideline values are exceeded.
Maximum value exceeded 80 times
Much more worrying is the level of aflatoxins, which the testers also found. This type of fungal toxin has a “liver-toxic, carcinogenic and genetically damaging effect,” they warned. One sample contained almost 80 times the legal limit and was therefore considered inedible.
Another package of figs in the test showed no problems with mold, but exceeded the warning value for suspected Bacillus cereus from the German Association for Hygiene and Microbiology. The high levels of these bacteria can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, so this sample was also considered unacceptable for consumption.
Two samples excellent
However, there were also positive outliers: Two products were rated as excellent, both in terms of taste and quality. The Chamber of Labor generally recommends opening dried figs before consumption.
Black spots inside are considered a concern. It could be a black fungal infection. Exposure to mycotoxins is very likely. However, white discoloration of the fruit does not necessarily indicate a fungal attack. It is often a crystallized sugar layer.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
