January 2026 Updated Maize Aflatoxin Protocol
At a Glance
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AIC and other scheme owners have revised the Maize Aflatoxin Protocol to address increased contamination risk.
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The revised protocol comes into effect on 23 January 2026.
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Key Changes:
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Romania risk rating: HIGH → MEDIUM
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Ukraine risk rating: MEDIUM → LOW
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France: Departments 39 (Jura) and 71 (Saône-et-Loire) have been reclassified as part of France (North) and therefore move to LOW
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Full Briefing Below
January 2026 Updated Maize Aflatoxin Protocol
AIC, working alongside scheme owners EFISC-GTP (European Feed and Food Ingredient Safety Certification – Good Trading Practice), GMP+ International, OVOCOM, and QS, has revised the Maize Aflatoxin Protocol as follows:
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Romania risk rating: HIGH → MEDIUM
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Ukraine risk rating: MEDIUM → LOW
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French Departments 39 (Jura) and 71 (Saône-et-Loire) reclassified as France (North) and consequently move to LOW
Details of which French Departments are classified as South can be found within the full Protocol.
The new risk ratings will be implemented from 23 January 2026.
Traceability and Analysis Requirements
As result of these changes, traceability for maize originating from France must identify the Department/ Region of cultivation. In addition, the frequency of analysis for Aflatoxin B1 in maize originating from:
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Romania
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Ukraine
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French Departments Jura (39) and Saône-et-Loire (71)
may be reduced in line with the requirements set out in the Protocol, subject to the Participant’s own risk assessment.
The updated Maize Aflatoxin Protocol can be downloaded here.
Authors
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.
Sarah-Jane Godfrey
Sarah-Jane Godfrey is a Technical Manager for AIC Services. She is based at AIC's Peterborough office and is responsible for the support of the assurance schemes as well as the delivery of agri-supply technical projects.