September 2026 Updated Maize Aflatoxin Protocol
At a Glance
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AIC and other scheme owners have revised the Maize Aflatoxin Protocol to recognise contamination risks from the 2026 European maize harvest, following record breaking temeratures and drought across large parts of the continent.
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The revised protocol comes into effect on 18 September 2026.
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Key Changes:
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Hungary risk rating: MEDIUM → HIGH
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Croatia risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
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Slovakia risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
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Ukraine risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
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Full Briefing Below
September 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 for the 2026 European Harvest as follows:
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Hungary risk rating: MEDIUM → HIGH
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Croatia risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
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Slovakia risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
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Ukraine risk rating LOW → MEDIUM
The new risk ratings will be implemented from 18 September 2026.
Traceability and Analysis Requirements
As result of these changes, the frequency of analysis for Aflatoxin B1 in maize originating from Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia and Ukraine must be increased as a minimum in line with the requirements set out in the Protocol. Participant’s own risk assessment may indicate higher levels of analysis are required for these and other origins. In addition, all consignments of maize from countries rated as HIGH or MEDIUM must be supplied to ciustomers with valid aflatoxin results in accordance with the protocol.
The updated Maize Aflatoxin Protocol can be downloaded here.
Authors
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.
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.
