The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad have launched a specialized workshop on “Pistachio Safety and Trade: Navigating the Standards of the Sanitation and Plant Testing Measures and Codex, currently underway in Tehran until April 16th.
The workshop brought together 65 key stakeholders from across the pistachios sector to deepen our knowledge of international food safety and trade frameworks, including Codex Alimentarius standards and measures from the Sanitation and Plant Academy (SPS). It also focuses on aflatoxin risk management, pesticide residue control, and traceability systems.
The event is led by FAO International Food Safety specialist Sanjay Dave. SanjayDave is a globally recognized expert in food safety and trade.
On behalf of FAO, FAO’s Deputy Assistant Representative Nazi Tavakoli emphasized the need to meet evolving international food safety standards to maintain and grow Iranian pistachio exports.
She pointed to mycotoxin contamination, in particular aflatoxins, as one of the main challenges affected by climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and post-harvest handling and storage methods.
“Iran has made notable progress by promoting excellent agricultural practices, strengthening post-harvest management and strengthening mycotoxin testing infrastructure,” Tabakoli said. “Building capacity and education along the pistachio value chain is important to maintain these improvements.”
The workshop is entitled “Improvement of pistachio production and exports through establishment of integrated product management” in the FAO Technical Cooperation Project.
Started in 2024, the project is designed to enhance integrated pistachio supply chain management focusing on productivity, harvesting, processing, and food safety regulations compliance. By promoting efficient and comprehensive supply chain practices, the project aims to ensure sustainable pistachio production and consumption, ultimately contributing to food and nutrition security, economic growth and strengthening global competitiveness.
MNA/