On Tuesday, the phytosanitary inspection of Republika Srpska (RS), one of the entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has forbidden imports of 20 tons of walnut from Romania due to increased presence of aflatoxin B1.

The inspectorate prohibited the import of this shipment as part of a regular inspection of foreign trade, the Inspectorate said in a statement. The inspector carried out laboratory analysis which showed an increased presence of aflatoxin B1 in amount of 2,58 micrograms per kilogram, wher maximum allowed is 2,0 micrograms.

The inspector banned the import of disputed contingents and ordered returning or destruction under the supervision of the competent inspector.

In the first six months of this year, the Inspectorate banned the import of five consignments of fruits and vegetables due to the established increased presence of pesticide residues.

Aflatoxin B1 is poisonous substance that is found all over the world; it can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock.

Aflatoxin B1 is potent carcinogens and  may  affect  all  organ systems,  especially the liver and kidneys, causing cancer, says the World Health Organization.