Dietary rice cakes "cancer"

ΕΦΕΤ is recalling known rice cakes/wafers that have been found to contain a carcinogen. Experts urge consumers who bought them not to consume the product.

National government food control authority ΕΦΕΤ was informed through the Early Warning System for Food and Feed (RASFF) about the distribution by the Belgian companies “Continental Bakeries Belgium” and “Lima natuurvoeding NV” in the Greek market organic rice cakes (ρυζογκοφρέτες)for the preparation of which rice is used, in which it was found aflatoxin B1.

Following further investigation by the EFET regional office in Attica, the following products were found:

A) Rice cakes with the trade name “BRINK ORG RICE CAKES SALT & SESAME 12X100G” lot H22160F and expiration date preferably 06/10/23 sold by HELLINIKES HYPERAGORES SKLAVENITIS.

B) A product with the trade name “AB THINK BIO RICE CAKES 12X100G” from batch H22155J and an expiration date preferably before 06/05/23, which was sold by AB VASSILOPOULOS SA.

c) A product with the trade name “LIMA ORGANIC RICE CAKES THIN 130G” from batch R22182B and an expiration date preferably before 02/07/23 sold by MKM VITALITY LTD.

ΕФΕΤ has requested a recall/withdrawal of the products in question from supermarket shelves. Checks are ongoing. Consumers who have purchased the above products are asked not to consume them.

What is aflatoxin

Aflatoxins are various toxic carcinogens and mutagensproduced by certain mold species, in particular Aspergillus species.

Mushrooms grow in soil, decaying vegetation, and various staple foods and raw materials such as: hay, corn, wheat, millet, sorghum, cassava, rice, chili peppers, cotton seeds, peanuts, nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame, and various spices.

Related fungi grow on almost any crop or food. They are have been found in both pet food and human food, as well as raw materials for farm animals.

Animals that eat contaminated food, can transfer aflatoxins to eggs, dairy products and meat.

Aflatoxins are produced by both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are common molds that are widespread in nature. The presence of these molds does not always indicate the presence of harmful levels of aflatoxin, but does indicate a significant risk. mold can colonize and contaminate food before harvest or during storage, especially after prolonged exposure to high humidity environments or extreme weather conditions such as drought.

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