Republic of Iraq

Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control

IQS 5144 /2022 2022 / 5144 ‫م ق ع‬

Iraqi Quality Standard

Number 5144

MAXIMUM LEVEL FOR MYCOTOXINS PERMITTED IN

FOOD AND FEED

English translation
For information only
The original standard in Arabic remains the reference

ICS: 67. 040

1
 IQS 5144 / 2022

- Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control

- Number of the Iraqi Quality Standard 5144

- Number and date of Committee meeting 495 on 4/9/2022

- Date of publication in the official gazette:

- Date of Application of Standard:

- P.O. Box 13032 – Jadrieh – Baghdad – Iraq

- Email of the organization: cosqc@cosqc.gov.iq

- Website of the organization: www.cosqc.gov.iq

- Website of the standards department: http://iraqi-standards.org

- All rights of printing, publishing, and distribution reserved for the

Organization

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

Contents Page
number
Introduction
1- Scope 1
2- Sources and References 1
3- Types 2
4- Definitions 2
5- Maximum limits permitted for mycotoxins in foods and feeds 2
6- Technical Terms 14

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

INTRODUCTION

The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control is the standardization body
in Iraq. One of its most important roles is preparing Iraqi quality standards and reference
guidelines through national technical committees that are formed according to the Technical
Committees Guideline TCG / 2019

This draft standard has been prepared by the Technical Committee for Mycotoxins in Food and
Feed and Pesticide Residues (TC 31) to set the basic requirements for maximum levels
permitted for mycotoxins in food and feed. It shall be noted that this draft includes the
minimum level of requirements. This standard cancels all maximum limits of mycotoxins
previously set in Iraqi standards and Technical Requirements. The limits set in this standard for
mycotoxins shall be adopted.

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

MAXIMUM LEVEL FOR MYCOTOXINS PERMITTED IN

FOOD AND FEED

1 Scope
This standard sets the maximum permitted limits for mycotoxins in food and feed.

2 Sources and references1

2.1 Gulf Technical Requirements GSO 193/2021
2.2 European Norm EN 1881/2006
2.3 Standard of the Codex Alimentarius Commission CXS 193/1995
2.4 FDA Action Levels for Aflatoxins in Animal Food
2.5 European Norm EN 1319/2016

3 Types
Mycotoxins include many toxins, of which:
- Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2
- Aflatoxin M1
- Ochratoxin A
- Patulin
- Deoxynivalenol
- Fumonisins B1+B2
- Zearalenone
- T-2 and HT-2
- Citrinin
- Ergot

1
All sources are still current at the time of preparation of this standard.
1
 IQS 5144 / 2022

4 Definitions
4.1 Mycotoxins
Toxic organic compounds produced by various fungi that grow on agricultural produce in hot
and humid conditions, such as aspergillus toxins (aflatoxins) and toxins produced by fusarium
fungi, and other toxins produced by other fungi.
4.2 Aflatoxins
Toxic organic compounds produced by various species of aspergillus that grow on agricultural
produce in hot and humid conditions. They are considered the most widely known and studied
mycotoxins in the world. There are four main types of them, aflatoxin B1, which is the most
widespread and dangerous, then the aflatoxins B2, G1, G2, which are less widespread. There
are derivatives of these toxins, such as Aflatoxin M1.
4.3 Maximum level
The maximum limit of mycotoxins in a foodstuff or feedstuff is the maximum concentration
for this foodstuff or feedstuff as set by this standard.

5 Maximum levels permitted for mycotoxins in foodstuffs and feedstuff

5.1 Maximum limits permitted for mycotoxins in foodstuffs
5.1.1 Aflatoxins
5.1.1.1 Total aflatoxins (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) or (AFB, AFG) (see Table 1)

2

Table 1 – Maximum limits permitted for total aflatoxins in foodstuffs
Foodstuff
Groundnuts and other
oilseeds, except
groundnuts and other
oilseeds used to produce
refined vegetable oils
Almonds, pistachios, and
apricot seeds
Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts
Nuts, except almonds,
hazelnuts, apricot seeds,
pistachios, and Brazil nuts
Groundnuts and other
oilseeds
Almonds, pistachios, and
apricot seeds
IQS 5144 / 2022
Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
15 Applies to the product that needs sorting
and other physical processing before
becoming ready for human consumption, or
being used as an ingredient for food
products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of groundnut, that is after
removing the husk.
15 Applies to the product that needs sorting
and other physical processing before
becoming ready for human consumption, or
being used as an ingredient for food
products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after
removing the husk.
15 Applies to the product that needs sorting
and other physical processing before
becoming ready for human consumption, or
being used as an ingredient for food
products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after
removing the husk, except for Brazil nuts.
10 Applies to the product that needs sorting
and other physical processing before
becoming ready for human consumption, or
being used as an ingredient for food
products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after
removing the husk.
4 Applies to the product intended for direct
human consumption, and products
manufactured from them, or used as
ingredient in food products, except for
unrefined oils intended for refining, and
refined vegetable oils. The maximum limit
applies to the edible of the product, that is
after removing the husk
10 Applies to the product intended for direct
human consumption, and products
manufactured or derived from them, or used
as ingredients in food products. The
maximum limit applies to the edible part of
the product, that is after removing the husk
continues
3

Table 1 (continued) – Maximum limits permitted for total aflatoxins in foodstuffs
Foodstuff
Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts
Nuts, except almonds,
hazelnuts, apricot seeds,
pistachios, and Brazil nuts.
Dried fruits, except for
dried figs
Dried fruits, except for
dried figs
Dried figs
All cereals and all
products derived from
cereals, including
processed cereal products
Maize and rice (raw)
Various spices
Other foods
IQS 5144 / 2022
Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
10 Applies to the products intended for direct
human consumption, and products
manufactured from them, or used as
ingredients in food products. The maximum
limit applies to the edible part of the
product, that is after removing the husk,
except for Brazil nuts
4 Applies to the products intended for direct
human consumption, and products
manufactured from them, or used as
ingredient in food products. The maximum
limit applies to the edible part of the
product, that is after removing the husk.
10 Applies to products that need sorting and
other physical processing before they are
ready for human consumption or before
being used as ingredients of food products
4 Applies to the products intended for direct
human consumption, and products derived
or processed form them or used as
ingredients for food products
10 –
5 Exception is made for maize and rice that
will undergo sorting or any other physical
processing before being offered for direct
human consumption, or before being used
as an ingredient in foods. Exception is made
for processed cereal-based foods, baby
foods, and diet foods with special medicinal
uses intended for infants.
10 Applies to products that will undergo
sorting or any other physical processing
before they are offered for direct human
consumption or before being used as
ingredients in foods
10 Include whole and ground dried products
(including chili pepper, chili pepper
powder, chili paste, allspice, white and
black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, curcuma, and
spice mixes containing one or more spices
listed above)
20 Foods that have not been mentioned
4

5.1.1.2 Aflatoxin B1 (see Table 2)
Table 2 – Maximum limits permitted for aflatoxin B1 in foods
Foodstuff Maximum limit
(µg/kg)
Groundnuts and other
oilseeds, except
groundnuts and oilseeds
used to produce refined
vegetable oils
Almonds, pistachios,
and apricot seeds
Hazelnuts and Brazil
nuts
Nuts, except almonds,
hazelnuts, apricot seeds,
pistachios, and Brazil
nuts
Groundnuts and other
oilseeds
Almonds, pistachios,
and apricot seeds
Dried fruits, except for
dried figs
Dried fruits, except for
dried figs
IQS 5144 / 2022
Notes
8 Applies to the product that needs sorting and other
physical processing before becoming ready for
human consumption, or being used as an ingredient
for food products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of groundnut, that is after removing the
husk.
12 Applies to the product that needs sorting and other
physical processing before becoming ready for
human consumption, or being used as an ingredient
for food products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after removing the
husk.
Applies to the product that needs sorting and other
physical processing before becoming ready for
8
human consumption, or being used as an ingredient
for food products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after removing the
husk, except for Brazil nuts.
Applies to the product that needs sorting and other
physical processing before becoming ready for
5
human consumption, or being used as an ingredient
for food products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after removing the
husk.
Applies to the products intended for direct human
consumption, products manufactured from them, or
2
used as ingredients in food products, except for
unrefined oils intended for refining, and refined
vegetable oils. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, after removing the husk
Applies to the products intended for direct human
consumption, and products manufactured or derived
8
from them, or used as ingredients in food products.
The maximum limit applies to the edible part of the
product, after removing the husk
5 Applies to products that need sorting and other
physical processing before they are ready for human
consumption or before being used as an ingredient to
foods
2 Applies to the products intended for direct human
consumption, and products derived or processed
form them or used as ingredients for food products
continues
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 IQS 5144 / 2022

Table 2 (continued) – Maximum limits permitted for aflatoxin B1 in foods

Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Dried figs 6 –
Hazelnuts and Brazil Applies to the products intended for direct human
nuts consumption, and products manufactured or
derived from them, or used as ingredients in food
5
products. The maximum limit applies to the
edible part of the product, that is after removing
the husk, except for Brazil nuts
Nuts, except Applies to the products intended for direct human
almonds, hazelnuts, consumption, and products derived or
apricot seeds, manufactured from them, or used as ingredients in
2
pistachios, and food products. The maximum limit applies to the
Brazil nuts. edible part of the product, after removing the
husk,
All cereals and all Exception is made for:
products derived - maize and rice that will undergo sorting or any
from cereals, other physical processing before being offered
including processed for direct human consumption, or before being
2
cereal products used as an ingredient in foods.
- Processed cereal-based foods
- Baby and infant foods, and diet foods with
special medicinal uses intended for infants.
Maize and rice (raw) Applies to products that will undergo sorting or
any other physical processing before they are
5
offered for direct human consumption or before
being used as an ingredient in foods
Various condiments Include whole and ground dried products
and spices (including chili pepper, chili pepper powder, chili
10 paste, allspice, white and black pepper, nutmeg,
ginger, curcuma, and spice mixes containing one
or more spices listed above)
Processed cereal- 0.10 The maximum limit applies on the basis of the dry
based foods and matter of the product
baby and infant
foods
Diet foods with 0.10 The maximum limit applies to the ready-to-eat
special medicinal product, after preparation according to the
uses intended for manufacturer’s instructions, in case it is milk or
infants. dairy-based product. If not milk- or milk-product-
based, the maximum limit applies on the basis of
the dry matter of the product

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.1.1.3 Aflatoxin M1 (See Table 3)

Table 3 – Maximum limits permitted for Aflatoxin M1 in foods
Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Raw milk, heat treated
milk, milk intended
for processing into 0.050
milk-based products,
and milk products
Infant formula and
follow-up formula, The maximum limit applies to the ready-to
including milk-based 0.025 consume product, prepared according to the
formula and follow-up manufacturer’s instructions
formula
Diet foods for special The maximum limit applies to the ready-to
medicinal purposes consume product, prepared according to the
intended for infants manufacturer’s instructions, in case of milk-
0.025
based products, If not milk- or milk-product-
based, the maximum limit applies on the basis of
the dry matter of the product

5.1.2 Ochratoxins A (See table 4)

Table 4 – Maximum limits permitted for ochratoxin A in foodstuffs
Foodstuff
Unprocessed cereals
All products derived
from unprocessed cereals
Dried grape-like fruits
Roasted coffee beans and
ground roasted coffee
Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
5 –
Include processed cereals and cereals
intended for direct human consumption.
Does not include:
- Processed cereal-based foods and
3
baby and infant foods and diet foods with
special medicinal uses intended for infants.
- Wheat gluten (not directly sold to the
consumer)
Dried grape-like fruits (currents, sultanas,
10
raisins)
Except instant coffee
5
continues

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Table 4 (continued) – Maximum limits permitted for ochratoxin A in foodstuffs
Foodstuff
limit (µg/kg)
Instant coffee
Grape juice, reconstituted
grape juice from
concentrate, and grape
nectar intended for direct
consumption
Processed cereal-based
foods and baby foods
intended for infants and
toddlers
Diet foods with special
medicinal uses intended for
infants
Dried spices
Spices (whole or ground
dried pepper)
Spice mixes containing at
least one of the above-listed
spices
Liquorice roots used as an
ingredient in herbal
infusions
Liquorice extract used in
foods, especially in
beverages and confectionary
Wheat gluten (not directly
sold to the consumer)
IQS 5144 / 2022
Maximum Notes
10 –
Maximum limit for the concentrated grape
juice applies after preparation of the product
2 according to the manufacturer’s instructions
so that it is ready for direct consumption.
The maximum limit applies to the dry
matter of the product
0.50
The maximum limit applies to the ready-to-
consume product, prepared according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, in case the
0.50 product is milk or milk-product-based. If
not milk- or milk-product-based, the
maximum limit shall apply to the dry matter
of the product
Include only white and black pepper,
15
nutmeg, ginger, and curcuma
Include only hot chili, hot chili powder,
20
chili paste, paprika
15 –
20 –
The maximum limit applies to the pure
80 undiluted extract
8 –
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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.1.3 Patulin (see Table 5)

Table 5 – maximum limits permitted for patulin in foodstuff
Foodstuff
Fruit juice and nectar,
and reconstituted fruit
juice concentrate
Solid apple products, and
apple puree intended for
direct consumption
Ready to consume apple
juice, solid apple
products, and apple puree
intended for infants and
toddlers
Processed cereal-based
foods, and baby foods for
infants and toddlers
Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Maximum limit for the concentrated fruit
juice applies after preparation of the product
50
according to the manufacturer’s instructions
so that it is ready for direct consumption
Except apple juice, solid apple products and
25 apple puree intended for infants and
toddlers.
Maximum limit applies after preparation of
the product according to the manufacturer’s
10 instructions for products needing
preparation before they are ready for direct
consumption
Maximum limit applies after preparation of
the product according to the manufacturer’s
10 instructions for products needing
preparation before they are ready for direct
consumption

5.1.4 Deoxynivalenol (see Table 6)

Table 6 – maximum limits permitted for deoxynivalenol in foodstuff
Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Unprocessed cereals Except durum wheat, oats, and
1250
maize
Unprocessed durum wheat
1750 –
and oats
Unprocessed maize Except unprocessed maize
1750 intended for wet grinding (i.e. used
for starch production)
Dried pasta Moisture content in dried pasta
750
approximating 12%
Processed cereal-based foods The maximum limit applies to the
and baby foods for infants 200 dry matter of the product
and toddlers.
continues

9

Table 6 (continued) – maximum limits permitted for deoxynivalenol in foodstuff
Foodstuff
Cereals intended for direct
human consumption, flour of
cereals, bran, germ as final
product for marketing or
direct human consumption
Bread, including bakery
products, such as cakes,
pastries, biscuits, snacks
made of cereals, and
breakfast cereals.
Maize grits with particle size
larger than 500 µm and other
crushed maize products with
particle size larger than 500
µm not intended for direct
human consumption
Maize grits with particle size
smaller than or equal to 500
µm and other crushed maize
products with particle size
smaller than or equal to 500
µm not intended for direct
human consumption
IQS 5144 / 2022
Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
750 Does not include the following:
- Processed cereal-based foods,
and baby foods for infants and
toddlers
- Maize grits with particle size
larger than 500 µm and other
crushed maize products with
particle size larger than 500 µm
not intended for direct human
consumption
- Maize grits with particle size
smaller than or equal to 500 µm
and other crushed maize products
with particle size smaller than or
equal to 500 µm not intended for
direct human consumption
500
–
750
–
1250
–
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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.1.5 Fumonisins B1+B2 (see Table 7)

Table 7 – Maximum limits permitted for fumonisins B1+B2 in foodstuff
Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Unprocessed maize Except unprocessed maize intended
4000 for wet grinding (used in starch
production)
Maize intended for direct human Except maize-based breakfast
consumption and maize-based cereals, maize-based snacks, and
products intended for direct 1000 processed maize-based foods and
human consumption baby foods intended for infants and
toddlers
Maize-based breakfast cereals,
800 –
and maize-based snacks
Processed maize-based foods The maximum limit applies to the
and baby foods intended for 200 dry matter of the product
infants and toddlers
Maize grits with particle size
larger than 500 µm and other
crushed maize products with
1400 –
particle size larger than 500 µm
not intended for direct human
consumption
Maize grits with particle size
smaller than or equal to 500 µm
and other crushed maize
products with particle size 2000 –
smaller than or equal to 500 µm
not intended for direct human
consumption

11

5.1.6 Zearalenone1 (see Table 8)
Table 8 – Maximum limits permitted for zearalenone in foodstuffs
Foodstuff Maximum
limit (µg/kg)
Unprocessed cereals
Unprocessed maize
Cereals intended for
direct human
consumption, flour of
cereals, bran, germ as
final product for
marketing or direct
human consumption
Refined corn oil
Bread, including bakery
products, such as cakes,
pastries, biscuits,
snacks made of cereals,
and breakfast cereals
Maize intended for
direct human
consumption,
Processed cereal-based
foods, except maize-
based foods and baby
foods intended for
infants and toddlers
IQS 5144 / 2022
Notes
100 Except maize
Except unprocessed maize intended for wet
350
grinding (for starch production)
Except the following:
- Maize intended for direct human consumption,
processed maize-based snacks, and maize-based
breakfast cereals
- Processed cereal-based foods intended for
infants and toddlers
- Maize grits with particle size larger than 500
75 µm and other crushed maize products with
particle size larger than 500 µm not intended for
direct human consumption
- Maize grits with particle size smaller than or
equal to 500 µm and other crushed maize
products with particle size smaller than or equal
to 500 µm not intended for direct human
consumption
400 –
Except processed maize-based snacks, and maize-
based breakfast cereals
50
100 –
The maximum limit applies to the dry matter of
20 the product
continues
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 IQS 5144 / 2022

Table 8 (continued) – Maximum limits permitted for zearalenone in foodstuffs

Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Processed maize-based foods 20 The maximum limit applies to the dry
intended for infants and matter of the product
toddlers
Maize grits with particle size 200
larger than 500 µm and other
crushed maize products with –
particle size larger than 500
µm not intended for direct
human consumption
Maize grits with particle size 300
smaller than or equal to 500
µm and other crushed maize
products with particle size –
smaller than or equal to 500
µm not intended for direct
human consumption

5.1.7 Citrinin (see Table 9)

Table 9 – Maximum limit permitted for citrinin in foodstuffs
Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes
(µg/kg)
Food supplements based on red
yeast (Monascus purpureus) 2000 –
fermented rice

5.1.8 Ergot sclerotia (see Table 10)1

Table 10 – Maximum limits permitted for ergot sclerotia in foodstuffs

Foodstuff Maximum limit Notes

(g/kg)
Unprocessed cereals, except
0.5 –
maize and rice

1
Cereals do not include rice, and cereal products do not include rice products in paragraphs 5.1.4 and 5.1.6
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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.2 Maximum limits permitted for mycotoxins in feeds

5.2.1 Total aflatoxin (see Table 11)
Table 11 – Maximum limits of total aflatoxins in feeds
Feed Maximum limit permitted Notes
µg/kg
Feeds for milk producing
10 –
animals and small calves
Feeds for poultry, other
processed and raw feed, and 20 –
feed additives

5.2.2 Deoxynivalenol (see Table 12)

Table 12 – Maximum limits permitted for deoxynivalenol in feeds
Feed
Cereals and cereal products,
except maize waste
Maize waste or by-products
Composite feeds
Composite feeds intended for
cattle (calves, lambs, kids
younger than 4 months) in
addition to dogs
Maximum limit Notes
permitted
mg/kg
Cereal products are not limited to the
grains of those cereals and their products
but include also feed and feed material
8 prepared or manufactured from the plants
of those cereals especially forage and
carbohydrate products non-digestible by
the animal (fibres or roughages) etc.
12 –
Excepts composite feeds intended for
5 cattle (calves, lambs, kids younger than 4
months) in addition to dogs
2 –

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.2.3 Zearalenone (see Table 13)

Table 13 – Maximum limits permitted for zearalenone in feeds
Feed
Cereals and cereal products,
except maize waste
Maize waste or by-products
Composite feeds
Composite feeds for adult
dogs and cats
Composite feeds for dogs
and cats for breeding, and
juvenile cats and dogs
Maximum limit Notes
permitted
mg/kg
Cereal products are not limited to the
grains of those cereals and their products
but include also feed, and feed material
2 prepared or manufactured from the plants
of those cereals especially forage and
carbohydrate products non-digestible by
the animal (fibres or roughages) etc.
3 –
Excepts composite feeds intended for
0.5 cattle and milk producing cattle including
calves, lambs, kids and goats
Does not include composite feeds for dogs
0.2
and cats for breeding
0.1 –

5.2.4 Ochratoxin A (See table 14)

Table 14 – maximum limits permitted for ochratoxin A in feeds
Feed Maximum limit Notes
permitted
µg/kg
All types of feed 5 –

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 IQS 5144 / 2022

5.2.5 T2 + HT2 (see Table 15)

Table 15 – maximum limits permitted for T2 + HT2 in feeds
Feed Maximum limit permitted Notes
(µg/kg)
Feed for milk producing 25 –
cattle
Composite feeds for cats 50 –
Feed for cattle, poultry, and 100 Except milk-producing cattle
small calves

5.2.6 Fumonisins B1 + B2 (see Table 16)

Table 16 – Maximum limits permitted for fumonisins B1 + B2 in feeds
Feed Maximum limit Notes
permitted
(mg/kg)
Maize and maize products 60 Maize products are not limited to the
maize grains and their products but
include also feed, and feed material
prepared or manufactured from the
maize plant, especially forage and
carbohydrate products non-digestible
by the animal (fibres or roughages) etc.
Composite feeds for 5
horses, rabbits, and –
domestic animals
Composite feeds for fish 10 –
Composite feeds for 20
poultry, cattle younger
–
than 4 months, lambs and
kids
Composite feeds for adult 50
ruminants older than 4 –
months

16
 IQS 5144 / 2022

6 Technical Terms

Baby food ‫أغذية االطفال‬

Aflatoxins ‫أفالتوكسينات‬
Feeding stuffs ‫األعالف‬
Foodstuffs ‫األغذية‬
Ergot ‫األرجوت‬
Patulin ‫الباتولين‬
zearalenone ‫الزيرالينون‬
Mycotoxins ‫السموم الفطرية‬
Fumonisins (B1 + B2) ‫الفيومينسينات‬
Hazelnuts ‫بندق‬
Spices ‫توابل‬
Cereals ‫حبوب‬
Deoxynivalenol (DON) ‫ديوكسي نيفالينول‬
Maize ‫ذرة‬
Pistachios ‫فستق حلبي‬
Dried fruit ‫فواكه مجففة‬
Groundnuts ‫فول سوداني‬
Almonds ‫لوز‬
Nuts ‫مكسرات‬
Milk products ‫منتجات الحليب‬
Fruit nectar ‫نكتار الفواكه‬

17