Mycotoxin & Contaminant Testing

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Mycotoxins are low-molecular weight, chemically diverse toxins that are produced naturally by moulds found contaminating crop plants and fruit. They can cause a wide range of acute and chronic effects, for example Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent natural carcinogen known to man and Ochratoxin A causes damage to the liver, kidney and immune system. Aflatoxin M1 is the hydroxylated metabolite of Aflatoxin B1 and transfers to humans in milk and milk products from animals that have consumed contaminated feed.

Although over 300 different mycotoxins have been identified, only a few of these are common contaminants in food and the most significant are governed by newly implement EU legislation - see below for more information (or click here). Due to its potency and the danger to humans, separate legislation covers the presence of Aflatoxin B1 in animal feed - see below for more information and a legislation link.

Service from Genon Laboratories

Our quantitative ELISA Aflatoxin B1 and DON (both in cereals and animal feedstuffs) tests are now UKAS accredited. UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 4149) - click here to view our schedule.

We use a variety of methods to carry out mycotoxin analysis on food and animal feed as follows:-

  • Aflatoxin B1, M1 and Total
  • Ochratoxin A
  • Citrinin
  • Zearalenone
  • Deoxynivalenol/DON/Vomitoxin
  • T-2
  • Fumonisin
  • Analysis of further mycotoxins can be arranged - please enquire for details

Our highly sensitive quantitative tests use the ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique which is based on antigen-antibody interactions with mycotoxins. We can use this method to determine both the presence and amount of mycotoxins in food and feedstuffs.

For when a present/not present answer is satisfactory, we offer a range of low cost qualitative tests including an ELISA screen that will determine the presence of any number of mycotoxins at detection limits that can be specified by you.

NEW: Melamine contamination originating from China has hit the headlines in recent months. We are able to test for melamine contamination by ELISA methodology with a standard range of quantitation of 2-50ppm on a variety of matrices. For more information please contact us.

For full details and a quotation please contact us by telephone (01422 884287) or email (enquiries@genonlabs.co.uk). Back to Top

Legislation

EU legislation provides maximum levels for the following mycotoxins in foodstuffs: 

  • Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1)

  • Ochratoxin A

  • Patulin

  • Zearalenone

  • Fumonisins

  • Trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and Deoxynivalenon (DON or Vomitoxin)).

Due to its toxicity and the risk to humans, specific legislation also limits the presence of Aflatoxin B1 in animal feed. Although not governed by legislation, it is also advised that Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone are minimised in animal feed as these can affect the health and fertility of livestock.

EU directives and legislation relating to food law can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/index_en.htm. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 concerning contaminants in food and giving maximum allowable levels of mycotoxins can be viewed by clicking here.

The animal feed legislation can be viewed by following the link http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20053281.htm#14. Back to Top

Storage & Field Mycotoxins

Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins mainly form during storage and are rarely seen in the field. The extreme weather we have experienced in the UK recently, and the fact that this trend is expected to continue, increases the risk of formation of these 'storage mycotoxins' and creates a need for extra vigilance. As these mycotoxins form in moist conditions, it is important that wet grain is dried as quickly as possible and grain heaps are ventilated.  Any deliveries of grain with a moisture content of 20% or higher should also be rejected as this is at risk from Ochratoxin A formation. Tests to detect and measure mycotoxins are essential where the grain has been at risk from mould growth as high mycotoxin levels in certain produce are not only illegal but can severely affect the health of animal and human consumers.

Those mycotoxins more commonly found in the field are trichothecenes (including deoxynivalenol/DON/vomitoxin, T-2 and HT-2), zearalenone and fumonisins. Formation of 'field mycotoxins' cannot always be controlled however insect infestation and delayed harvesting can contribute and should therefore be avoided. Due diligence procedures should include testing produce for these mycotoxins at harvest.  Back to Top

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