🇪🇺 RASFF Alert: Serious Ochratoxin A Contamination in Turkish Dried Figs – Border Rejection in Germany

23 February 2026 | RASFF Notification 2026.1481

Germany has issued a border rejection notification via the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) concerning dried figs originating from Türkiye due to elevated levels of Ochratoxin A.

Key Details

• Product: Dried figs

• Origin: Türkiye

• Notifying country: Germany

• Risk classification: Serious

• Hazard detected: Ochratoxin A at 42.3 ± 16.9 µg/kg

• Control measure: Consignment detained at border

• Action taken: Product to be redispached or destroyed

The detected contamination level significantly exceeds the applicable EU maximum limit for Ochratoxin A in dried fruits, triggering a serious risk classification.

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Market Implications

Türkiye is the dominant supplier of dried figs to the European Union. Recurrent mycotoxin findings — particularly Ochratoxin A — remain a structural risk in the dried fruit trade.

This case represents a border control interception, not a consumer-level recall. The product did not enter the EU market.

However, repeated detections may lead to:

• Increased border control frequency

• Stricter import scrutiny

• Potential commercial disruptions for exporters

• Heightened compliance pressure in the dried fruit supply chain

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Background

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by certain Aspergillus and Penicillium species and is considered nephrotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. It is regularly monitored in dried fruits, coffee, cereals and spices.

Seasonal climatic conditions and post-harvest storage practices remain key risk drivers.

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CMB Insight

The case underscores continued vulnerability in high-risk dried fruit categories. Importers sourcing from Türkiye should review:

• Supplier audit frequency

• Pre-shipment laboratory testing

• Storage and moisture control documentation

Further RASFF updates will indicate whether this remains an isolated case or signals broader shipment pressure.