Since the discovery of aflatoxins in the 1960s, mycotoxin regulations have been established in many countries, both to protect consumers from the harmful effects of these toxins that may contaminate foodstuffs and to ensure fair practices in food trade. The present publication is an update of FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 64(1977) and describes the situation of worldwide mycotoxin regulations as of December 2003, based on an international enquiry carried out in 2002/2003. The number of countries with specific regulations for mycotoxins has greatly increased over the years, reflecting the general concern that governments have about the potential effects of mycotoxins on humans and animal health and their implications for trade.
