Implementation of lower limit for aflatoxin in milk postponed – Stricter rules from December 1, 2026

The implementation of a significantly stricter limit for the permitted level of aflatoxin in milk, which was supposed to come into force on December 1 of this year, has been postponed to December 1, 2026. The decision was made by the Government of Serbia through amendments to the Regulation on maximum concentrations of certain contaminants in food, published in the Official Gazette.

According to the new deadlines, the European standard that limits aflatoxin in raw and thermally treated milk, as well as milk intended for processing, to 0.05 micrograms per kilogram will only be in force from 2026. Until then, the significantly higher permitted amount - 0.25 micrograms, which has been in force for years, remains in force.

The topic of aflatoxin has often been in the spotlight of the domestic public since 2013, when a major panic broke out due to elevated levels in milk. Since then, the issue of limits, their harmonization with EU standards, and sustainability for domestic production has been raised almost every year.

The state has been announcing a gradual reduction in the permitted level for a long time, while producers complain that a sudden change would endanger a large number of farms due to problems with livestock nutrition, especially in years with unfavorable climatic conditions.

Vlada Republike Srbije

Government of Serbia

aflatoxin

Regulation on maximum concentrations of certain contaminants in food