Mycotoxin Testing

Mycotoxins are secondary toxic metabolites predominantly produced by two fungal species namely Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

Mycotoxins are reported to have toxic effects on vertebrates depending on specific substance, mycotoxin concentration, exposure time, physiological state, sensitivity of the specific organism in humans and animals.

The Unites Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that mycotoxins affect 25 % of the world's Food production.

Factors contributing to mycotoxin contamination

Agricultural products can be contaminated with these mycotoxins during post harvest stage through bird and insect damage or inappropriate weather condition. Improper storage, marketing, transportation can possibly cause mold growth.

Mycotoxin production is affected by several factors such as fungicides, relative humidity, temperature, nutrition, type of subtract, insect infestation, geographical region and few more.

Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria are major Molds which produce mycotoxins in food and feed. Food groups like cereals, oil seeds, legumes, fruits, vegetables, coffee, beverages, spices, herbs serve as major mycotoxins vectors as these foods are mostly consumed by large number of people all over the world.

How bad are mycotoxins to our health?

Mycotoxins testing in food and feed matrices is of huge importance as they can be carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and embryotoxic depending on type of organism and associated factors.

Along with posing health problems in humans and animals, mycotoxins can also cause death in some cases. Aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 is considered as most toxic and has been reported to be genotoxic – capable of damaging DNA and can cause cancer in animal species.

Studies also reported that, consumption of mycotoxin contaminated foods can cause liver cancer in human beings. Other health effects include gastrointestinal abnormalities, reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, kidney damage, inability to fight against infections.

Regulatory Landscape

Due to their toxic effects on human beings, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has established the maximum level of mycotoxins in food at very low concentrations. For example, the maximum limit for aflatoxins in cereals, grains and milk are in the range of 0.5-15 ppb.

The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011 has clearly recommended the standard safe limits of mycotoxins like aflatoxins in various food-stuffs.

The safety limits recommended by the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011 for some commonly applicable mycotoxins are mentioned in the below table:

Mycotoxins are often associated with Food

• Agricultural Crops (amongst others corn, wheat, rye, barley)
• Cereals
• Bread and cookies
• Dried fruits
• Nuts, kernels and flours
• Herbs and spices
• Milk and dairy products
• Coffee, cocoa
• Beverages (e.g., beer, wine)
• Baby food
• Meat and meat products
• Egg and poultry products
• Oils and fats
• Convenience food
• Basmati rice and other varieties
• Confectionery
• Dietary food
• Food additives
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains and cereal products
• Tea, herbal tea, fruit tea
• Pet food
• Animal feed

Eurofins comprehensive portfolio for mycotoxin testing:

Comprehensive risk-oriented mycotoxin and biotoxin testing package offered in Eurofins includes screening and confirmatory methods for all regulated as well as wide range of additional mycotoxins. It is complemented by representative sampling services.

Regulated mycotoxins

• Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1
• Ochratoxin A (OTA)
• Deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Zearalenone
• Fumonisins B1, B2, B3
• T-2 / HT-2 toxin
• Citrinin
• Patulin
• Ergot alkaloids

Other mycotoxins

• Alternaria toxins
• Beauvericin
• Enniatins A, A1, B, B1
• 3- and 15-Acetyldeoxynivalenol
• Nivalenol
• Sterigmatocystin
• Fusarenone X
• Diacetoxyscirpenol
• Others

Biotoxins

• Opium alkaloids (Morphine)
• Tropane alkaloids
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Eurofins laboratories performs all analytical testing services in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and regularly take part in proficiency tests of the applied methods.

Relevant services include

• Express service on request
• Sample registration, tracking and test reports online (EOL)
• Method development and research projects on demand
• Sampling & inspection services

The Eurofins Advantage

• Fast turn-around time (TAT)
• Local contact with a Global Network
• Participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies allowing early advice on potential food scares and legal obligations
• One stop Solution.
• International presence

Contact Us