Effective July 1, 2025, Japan has implemented enhanced import monitoring on Canadian apple juice products (including apple cider) and apple juice used in further processing. This decision follows the detection of patulin levels exceeding the legal limit (0.05 ppm) in a single shipment of Canadian apple cider.

As a result:

● 30% of all shipments from Canada in this product category will now be tested for

patulin.

● If one more non-compliant shipment is found, Japan will test 100% of incoming

Canadian product.

Patulin is a natural mycotoxin produced by certain molds, especially Penicillium expansum, which thrives in damaged or moldy apples. High patulin levels are usually linked to poor fruit quality (bruising, rot or decay), inadequate culling during juice or cider production, or poor sanitation or storage conditions. 

To avoid future trade disruption and protect Canada’s reputation, the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) encourages several actions:  strict culling of moldy, bruised, or damaged fruit before processing; maintaining clean harvest and storage practices, especially in hot or humid conditions; regular sampling and testing of juice and cider batches before export; clear traceability and batch records for all exported product.

BCFGA will continue to monitor the situation through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and update members on any changes.

For more technical guidance or support, contact your in-house food safety specialist or horticulturalist.

Source:  British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association July 25, 2025 newsletter