Mycotoxin occurrence in feed and feed raw materials worldwide: long-term analysis with special focus on Europe and Asia

J Sci Food Agric. 2013 Sep;93(12):2892-9. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.6225. Epub 2013 Jun 26.

Abstract

During an 8-year period, 17 316 samples of feed and feed raw materials from all over the world were analysed for contamination with aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins. Overall, 72% of the samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin and 38% were found to be co-contaminated. Mycotoxin concentrations were generally low and the majority of the samples were compliant with the most stringent EU guidance values or maximum levels for mycotoxins in feed. However, in their present state these regulations do not address co-contamination and associated risks. Long-term trends are difficult to establish as strong yearly variations were observed regarding mycotoxin prevalence and contamination levels. In some cases unusual weather conditions can be linked with high observed mycotoxin loads. An exception to this rule is South-East Asia, where a steady increase of aflatoxin prevalence has been observed. The percentage of aflatoxin-positive samples in this region rose from 32% in 2005 to 71% in 2011.

Keywords: feed; long-term survey; mycotoxins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / adverse effects
  • Animal Feed / analysis*
  • Animal Feed / microbiology
  • Animal Feed / standards
  • Animal Welfare*
  • Animals
  • Asia
  • Crops, Agricultural / adverse effects
  • Crops, Agricultural / chemistry*
  • Crops, Agricultural / microbiology
  • Europe
  • Food Contamination* / prevention & control
  • Foodborne Diseases / etiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / prevention & control
  • Foodborne Diseases / veterinary
  • Global Health*
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Mycotoxins / analysis*
  • Mycotoxins / toxicity
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis

Substances

  • Mycotoxins