Mycotoxin Testing in Feed

Introduction

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by moulds such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. These toxins contaminate animal feed ingredients like cereals, maize, soybeans, and silage, posing significant risks to livestock health, feed safety, and food chain integrity. Mycotoxins are stable under processing conditions, persisting in feed and potentially transferring to animal-derived products (e.g., milk, meat). Associated with carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and reproductive effects, mycotoxins require rigorous testing to ensure feed safety, meet regulatory standards, and support global trade in animal feed and livestock products.

 Key Mycotoxins in Food and Feed

• Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1): Common in maize, peanuts, milk, and spices.
• Ochratoxin A (OTA): Found in cereals, coffee, dried fruits, and wine.
• Fumonisins (B1, B2, B3): Occur mainly in maize and maize-based products.
• Zearalenone (ZEN): Found in maize, barley, and wheat.
• Trichothecenes (T-2, HT-2, DON): Common in grains like wheat and oats.
• Patulin: Detected in apples, apple juice, and other rotting fruits.

Sources of Mycotoxin Contamination in Feed

Mycotoxin contamination in feed primarily occurs during crop growth, harvest, and storage. The table below outlines key sources:

Health Concerns

Mycotoxins in feed pose significant risks to livestock and, indirectly, human health via the food chain. The table below outlines key concerns:

Industry Concerns

• Trade Rejections and Economic Losses: Many food shipments are rejected due to mycotoxin contamination, especially in the EU and US.
• Feed Safety and Livestock Productivity: Mycotoxin-contaminated feed reduces animal fertility, milk production, and growth rates.
• Reputation Damage and Product Recalls: Failing to test can result in recalls, lawsuits, and loss of consumer trust.
• Need for Supply Chain Transparency: Buyers increasingly demand validated lab reports and traceability.

Importance of Testing

Testing ensures feed safety, livestock health, and compliance. The table below highlights the importance of testing key parameters:

Broader Importance of Mycotoxin Testing

Mycotoxin testing provides wide-ranging benefits:

• Livestock Health: Prevents productivity losses and disease in animals.
• Human Safety: Ensures animal-derived products (e.g., milk, meat) are free from harmful residues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with FSSAI, EU, FDA, and Codex standards.
• Market Access: Facilitates feed exports by meeting stringent MRLs in global markets.
• Quality Assurance: Enhances feed quality, supporting livestock performance and brand reliability.
• Consumer Trust: Builds confidence through transparent safety data, countering contamination concerns.

Regulations and Standards

FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established strict regulatory limits for mycotoxins in various food and feed products to protect consumer health.

https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Comp_Contaminants_Regulations_2_4_2025_VIII.pdf

EU

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 establishes maximum levels for certain mycotoxins in food and feed, replacing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. In food, maximum limits apply to aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), ochratoxin A, patulin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins (B1, B2), citrinin, and ergot alkaloids (indirectly via ergot sclerotia). In feed, limits are set for aflatoxin B1 and ergot alkaloids. Additionally, Commission Recommendation 2013/165/EU provides guidance values for T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal products, covering both food and feed sectors.

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

Advanced Testing Methods for Mycotoxins

• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry): Gold standard for multi-mycotoxin detection with high sensitivity and specificity.
• HPLC-FLD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Fluorescence Detection): Widely used for aflatoxins and OTA.
• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Cost-effective, fast screening tool for aflatoxins, OTA, DON, and ZEN.
• TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography): Basic technique still in use for qualitative detection in resource-limited settings.
• UPLC-HRMS: High-resolution mass spectrometry for research and confirmatory testing.

Mycotoxin Testing Parameters and Analysis

Eurofins laboratories are equipped to analyse a comprehensive range of mycotoxins using internationally validated methods:

Tested Mycotoxins:

• Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1)
• Ochratoxin A
• Fumonisins (B1, B2, B3)
• Zearalenone
• Trichothecenes (T-2, HT-2, DON)
• Patulin

Eurofins Testing Services for Mycotoxins in feed

• Global Laboratory Network: Accredited facilities in 50+ countries offering harmonised testing protocols.
• Method Validation: ISO/IEC 17025-accredited methods (LC-MS/MS, HPLC-FLD, ELISA) with traceable results.
• Fast Turnaround and High Throughput: Capacity to manage large volumes for processors, exporters, and retailers.
• Expert Advisory and Regulatory Support: Consultation for MRL updates, product recalls, and certification processes.
• Integrated Programmes: Mycotoxin risk mapping, traceability audits, and pre-shipment testing for full supply chain control.
• Digital Access: Client portals for real-time report access, trend analysis, and document retrieval.

Final Thoughts

Mycotoxins continue to be a leading food safety challenge worldwide, affecting everything from cereal grains to infant food. Prevention through good agricultural and storage practices is vital, but testing remains the only way to guarantee compliance. Eurofins’ global infrastructure, validated methods, and regulatory expertise make it the trusted partner for ensuring mycotoxin-free, compliant, and safe products in food and feed supply chains.

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