The Malawi Bureau of Standards has released a draft standard (DMS 1760:2025) outlining comprehensive specifications for dried cassava chips intended for human consumption. The draft, aligned with the African standard ARS 839:2024, aims to harmonize food standards under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework and support regional trade facilitation.
The proposed standard defines requirements across composition, quality, safety, and labeling. Key parameters include a maximum moisture content of 12%, hydrogen cyanide limit of 10 mg/kg, minimum starch content of 75%, and strict microbiological criteria such as absence of E. coli and Salmonella. It also mandates compliance with limits on contaminants including heavy metals, pesticide residues (as per Codex), and aflatoxins. The draft also defines microbiological limits to ensure product safety. These include a maximum total plate count of 10? cfu/g (ISO 4833), while Escherichia coli (ISO 7251) and Salmonella spp. (ISO 6579) must be absent. Additionally, yeast and mould counts must not exceed 10 cfu/g (ISO 21527-2).
In addition, the draft specifies that only approved additives under national standards may be used, and emphasizes adherence to hygiene practices during processing. Packaging must utilize food-grade materials, while labeling requirements include product name, manufacturer details, origin, batch identification, storage instructions, and expiry date.
The standard is currently in draft form and is not yet enforceable, with stakeholders invited to provide feedback before final adoption.