maximum levels for certain contaminants aflatoxins in foodstuffs in march 1998 a number of countries argued that the ec proposal to set new maximum levels for aflatoxins would impose severe restrictions on trade while not resulting in a significant reduction in health risk to consumers. the proposal did not seem to be based on a proper risk assessment. furthermore the proposed sampling procedure was unduly costly burdensome and unjust. although an international standard on the subject did not yet exist the codex committee on food additives and contaminants ccfac was considering the matter. the complaining members felt that the timing was unfortunate and urged the european communities to review the proposed measure. the european communities noted that there had been no consensus in the ccfac on the issue although many countries supported the codex norm the european communities did not. the proposed measure reflected the ec level of protection. with regard to the sampling procedure since contamination appeared in a small percentage of kernels one simple sample was not sufficient to minimize risk to consumers. the proposed methods were already used by some ec member states. the european communities planned to evaluate the comments received until may 1998 and formalize the proposal in june 1998. the measure would enter into effect relatively shortly afterwards. in june 1998 the european communities reported that it had forwarded a revised proposal to its member states. the ec standing committee on foodstuffs would consider the proposed modifications on 17-18 june 1998. apart from revising some of the maximum levels the european communities was considering transitional arrangements and the new measures would not enter into force before 1 january 1999. in september 1998 bolivia informed the committee that the proposed ec measure would have severe effects on bolivian exports of brazil nuts. bolivia requested to see the ec risk assessment and indicated it was prepared to enter into bilateral discussions with the european communities in order to find a mutually agreeable solution. the united states encouraged the european communities to take into account the recommendations contained in the fao who risk assessments establishing maximum levels for aflatoxin in consumer-ready products. the asean countries expressed concern with maximum levels in milk which would affect developing countries feed exports. the european communities noted that the deadline for comments had been extended to allow for further comments from members. the european communities had also revised its proposal and was prepared to raise the proposed maximum levels in nuts. with regard to milk the proposed ec levels were in line with the standards being discussed in codex. in november 1998 the chairman informed the committee about bilateral consultations between bolivia and the european communities which he had been requested to facilitate. the chairman reported that the discussions had been very fruitful and had helped bolivia to better understand the rationale behind the ec measures as well as the ec procedures followed. they had also helped the ec understanding of the potential effect of some of its measures on the bolivian industry. technical consultations were continuing. in march 1999 bolivia reported that it had presented a plan to improve its brazil nuts and consultations with the european communities were ongoing. bolivia considered that this was a good case for the application of special and differential treatment. peru indicated that several countries had brought their problems with the new ec regulation on aflatoxins to the attention of the european communities through their missions in brussels without having obtained a satisfactory response. in particular the european communities had not presented a risk assessment. the european communities assured bolivia that their common examination of the problem would continue through a rapid procedure. in response to other members