🇪🇺 RASFF ALERT: Serious Ergot Contamination in French Wheat

RASFF Notification 2026.1480 | 23 February 2026

The Netherlands has issued an Alert Notification via the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) concerning ergot contamination in wheat originating from France.

Key Facts

• Product: Wheat

• Origin: France

• Notifying country: Netherlands

• Notification type: Alert notification

• Basis: Company’s own check

• Risk classification: Serious

• Product category: Cereals and bakery products

• Measure taken: Informing recipient(s)

Unlike a border rejection, this case concerns product already within the supply chain.

---

Why This Matters

Ergot contamination in wheat is a critical issue due to the presence of ergot alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by Claviceps purpurea.

Risks include:

• Neurotoxic effects

• Vasoconstriction

• Severe food safety concerns in flour and bakery production

Ergot levels are strictly regulated within the EU.

---

Market Implications

France is one of the EU’s largest wheat producers and exporters.
A serious RASFF alert in French wheat may lead to:

• Increased quality testing across EU grain flows

• Heightened scrutiny in cross-border trade

• Potential milling and feed sector adjustments

• Additional supplier audits

Since the notification was triggered by a company’s own check, it signals internal compliance detection rather than border interception.

---

CMB Insight

Ergot remains a recurring issue in wet harvest years and can significantly impact:

• Milling wheat premiums

• Feed wheat substitution

• Export certification processes

Monitoring follow-up RASFF updates will be crucial to assess whether this remains an isolated incident or develops into a broader quality pattern within the 2025/26 crop.