As the season of mincepies and Christmas pudding approaches the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) finds that dried fruit products are within the legal limits for a substance called ochratoxin A.
In a study carried out for the agency researchers found that all the 200 dried vine fruit products they tested had a level of ochratoxin A below the legal limit.
Ochratoxin A is produced naturally by certain moulds that may grow on vine fruit. High concentrations of this toxin are thought to be related to kidney disease and cancer.
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 and 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."
Under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 466/2001, as amended, dried vine fruits (currants, sultanas and raisins) must contain no more than a maximum of 10 microgram/kg (ppb) of ochratoxin A.
The data provided by the FSA includes ochratoxin A levels in 200 products including branded products and supermarket own label goods. Details of best before date, declared unit weight, declared percentages of vine fruits, country of origin and the retailers name are disclosed.