Innovations in Mycotoxin Testing: Safeguarding Cereals and Nuts

Introduction

Mycotoxins are toxic, naturally occurring secondary metabolites produced by molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. These contaminants often affect cereals, nuts, and oilseeds during cultivation, harvest, or storage, posing serious health and economic risks. Chronic exposure can lead to hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and even carcinogenic effects in humans and animals.

mycotoxin-testing

At Eurofins, we understand the challenges industries face in detecting and managing mycotoxin contamination. Our global network of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories utilizes state-of-the-art analytical technology, expert data interpretation, and predictive modeling to safeguard your products and ensure compliance with EU, FSSAI, FDA, and Codex Alimentarius standards.

Why Advanced Mycotoxin Testing Is Crucial

Mycotoxin contamination can occur at any stage of the supply chain, from the field to the finished product. At Eurofins, we provide advanced testing and consultancy services that help you:

Detect and quantify trace-level contamination in raw materials and final goods.
Implement preventive control programs aligned with HACCP, ISO 22000, and GFSI systems.
Comply with multi-jurisdictional regulatory limits across domestic and export markets.
Prevent costly recalls and protect consumer confidence.
Build brand trust through transparent certification and traceability solutions.

Our comprehensive mycotoxin services deliver both analytical precision and actionable insights for long-term product integrity.

Major Mycotoxins of Concern

Mycotoxin	Main Producing Fungi	Common Commodities	Health Impact
Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1)	Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus	Groundnuts, maize, pistachios, milk	Carcinogenic, hepatotoxic
Ochratoxin A (OTA)	Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium verrucosum	Cereals, coffee, dried fruits	Nephrotoxic, carcinogenic
Deoxynivalenol (DON)	Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum	Wheat, barley, oats	Vomiting, growth retardation
Zearalenone (ZEN)	Fusarium graminearum, F. roseum	Maize, barley, sorghum	Estrogenic effects
Fumonisins (B1, B2, B3)	Fusarium verticillioides	Maize, maize products	Neurotoxic, hepatotoxic
T-2 and HT-2 Toxins	Fusarium sporotrichioides	Oats, barley, maize	Immunotoxic, cytotoxic

Sources and Pathways of Contamination

Mycotoxin formation can occur throughout the production chain. Eurofins experts help identify contamination pathways and develop preventive action plans to minimize risk.

Stage	Potential Source of Contamination	Preventive Control Measures
Pre-Harvest	Drought stress, humidity, fungal infection, insect damage	Agronomic audits, crop surveillance, weather-linked risk mapping
Harvest	Delayed harvest, mechanical injury, improper handling	Training on optimal harvest and sampling techniques
Post-Harvest Drying	Incomplete drying, high moisture content	Moisture profiling and controlled drying recommendations
Storage	High humidity, poor ventilation, pests	Storage audits, humidity monitoring, and fumigation validation
Transport and Processing	Cross-contamination, condensation, poor hygiene	Hygiene audits, packaging validation, and process control testing

By addressing every stage, Eurofins helps you maintain product integrity and reduce contamination risk before it reaches your customers.

Advanced Testing Technologies

Eurofins offers a suite of innovative technologies designed to provide rapid, precise, and reliable mycotoxin detection.

Technology	Description	Key Advantages	Applications
LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry)	Detects multiple mycotoxins simultaneously with high sensitivity.	Ultra-trace quantification, validated accuracy, multi-matrix capability.	Cereals, nuts, feed ingredients.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)	Identifies emerging or masked mycotoxins with precise mass accuracy.	Detects novel toxins, ideal for research and regulatory use.	Complex food matrices.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)	Rapid antibody-based detection of specific mycotoxins.	Economical, suitable for routine batch screening.	Industrial QA labs.
Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs)	Portable test strips for on-site screening.	Fast (5–10 min), minimal training, immediate results.	Field, port, and warehouse inspections.
AI and Predictive Modelling	Integration of analytical and environmental data.	Predicts risk trends, identifies hotspots before contamination occurs.	Preventive monitoring programs.

Our laboratories use harmonized testing protocols, ensuring consistent results and comparability across global operations.

Regulatory and Quality Framework

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets strict limits for mycotoxins in food and feed to safeguard public health. Below is a summarized table of key contaminants and their maximum limits (in µg/kg).

S.No	Contaminant	Food Article	Limit (µg/kg)
1	Total Aflatoxins	Cereal and cereal products	15
		Dried figs	10
		Arecanut or Betelnut	15
		Nuts for further processing	15
		Ready-to-eat nuts	15
		Oilseeds for further processing	15
		Ready-to-eat oilseeds or oil	15
		Pulses	15
		Spices/Spice Mix	30
		Food products containing above items	20
2	Aflatoxin B1	Arecanut or Betelnut	10
		Cereal and cereal products	10
		Dried figs	10
		Nuts for further processing	10
		Ready-to-eat nuts	10
		Oilseeds for further processing	10
		Ready-to-eat oilseeds or oil	10
		Pulses	10
		Spices/Spice Mix	15
		Food products containing above items	10
3	Aflatoxin M1	Milk (Liquid)	0.5
		Skimmed milk powder	6
		Whole milk powder	4
4	Ochratoxin A	Wheat, rye, barley	20
5	Patulin	Apple juice	50
		Apple juice as ingredient in beverages	50
6	Deoxynivalenol	Wheat	1000

https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Contaminants_Regulations_28_01_2022.pdf

https://food.chemlinked.com/news/food-news/india-fssai-revised-limits-contaminants

European union: Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (effective 25 April 2023) replaces Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and sets maximum levels for mycotoxins in food and feed. It covers aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), ochratoxin A, patulin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins (B1, B2), citrinin, and ergot alkaloids (via ergot sclerotia limits). Feed limits focus on aflatoxin B1 and ergot alkaloids. Commission Recommendation 2013/165/EU provides guidance (not mandatory) for T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal products for both food and feed.

Detailed limits vary by food type (e.g., cereals, nuts, milk) and are specified in the regulation's annexes. For full text, refer to the official EU document.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R0915

Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies

At Eurofins, we believe in proactive contamination control. Our comprehensive risk management services include:

Preventive Agricultural Practices

Field monitoring using weather-based predictive models.
Use of biocontrol strains of Aspergillus flavus.
Soil management and crop rotation strategies.

Post-Harvest Control

Moisture reduction to safe storage levels.
Antifungal packaging and humidity control audits.

Analytical Surveillance

Periodic sampling at key supply chain points.
Trend analysis to identify seasonal or regional contamination patterns.

Compliance Verification

Certification support for EU, FDA, and export documentation.
Validation of decontamination and detoxification measures.

Emerging Trends and Future Innovations

At Eurofins, we continuously invest in research and development to bring clients the most advanced detection and prevention solutions, including:

Nanobiosensors for rapid, real-time mycotoxin detection.
Blockchain-based traceability for transparent supply chains.
Cold plasma and ozone detoxification for sustainable decontamination.
Multi-residue analysis combining pesticide and mycotoxin testing.

Why Choose Eurofins for Mycotoxin Testing

Global network of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Comprehensive analytical coverage from aflatoxins to emerging toxins.
Expert scientific and regulatory guidance tailored to export needs.
Rapid turnaround times and harmonized reporting.
Integrated contaminant risk assessment, including chemical, microbiological, and sensory testing.

Partner with Eurofins Food Testing

Safeguard your cereals, nuts, and food ingredients with Eurofins’ advanced mycotoxin detection and prevention services. Our experts can design a customized monitoring and mitigation program to help you meet global food safety standards and protect your brand.

Enquire now: https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/enquire-now/