The formulation of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) Code of practice for the
prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in copra was an offshoot of the
request of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to the Bureau of Agriculture and
Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS). It aimed to provide uniform guidance for all
copra stakeholders in an attempt to control and manage contamination by various
mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins and at the same time, serve as basis for compliance
to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Copra. It also provides direction consistent to
the stringent requirements of developed countries especially in the European Union
which is the major importer of Philippine coconut products. Most importantly, this
standard is intended to provide guidance to all persons involved in producing and
handling copra for entry into local and international trade intended for human and
animal consumption.
The PNS Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination
in copra was prepared by the Technical Working Group (TWG) created per Special
Order No. 257 series of 2008. Prior to development of this standard, series of technical
reviews and public consultations were conducted to gather inputs from different copra
stakeholders. The draft standard was presented in the identified major copra
producing/trading/processing areas particularly in Regions 11, 10 and Region 4B in
collaboration with the coconut industry and the regional field offices of the PCA and the
Department of Agriculture.
