Mycotoxin Control in Cereals: Safeguarding Food

• Project start date: 30 June 2021
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Food safety
• Discipline: Food chain
• Principal researcher/s: Professor Chris Elliott, Queen’s University Belfast

Research objective

The aim of this research was to review (and where possible improve/refine current rapid screening methods for the mycotoxin T-2 and its metabolites in cereals for human consumption. Researchers engaged with the relevant sector of the cereal processing industry in Ireland and the UK, and the relevant primary production sector, to gain detailed, valuable information. The research conducted was designed to clarify deficits in T-2 toxin control in the relevant processing and primary production sectors, evaluate the robustness of current analytical detection and control methods therein, augment same if deemed necessary, and implement workable T-2 toxin control solutions at sectoral level.

Outputs

Research report

• Title: Mycotoxin control in cereals: safeguarding food
• Publication date: 19 January 2024
• Summary: The study highlights the importance of robust sampling procedures and improved testing regimes to ensure grain safety and reduce mycotoxin-related food waste, ultimately protecting consumers and enhancing industry profits.
• Findings:

  The systematic literature review addresses the toxicity of T-2 toxin and its metabolites in humans and animals, their occurrence in food and crops, and the impacts of climate change on their distribution. It highlights mycotoxins like T-2, HT-2, and ochratoxin A as ongoing issues, particularly in oats on the island of Ireland. Legislative changes that lower toxin limits could increase non-conformity rates, leading to more food waste and economic losses. Processing methods like de-hulling help reduce toxin levels, but proper drying, storage, and monitoring are essential for controlling contamination. Conventional farming practices showed higher mycotoxin levels compared to organic farming.

  The report emphasizes the need for improved surveillance, testing, and control, including better agricultural practices and the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures. It also reviewed rapid diagnostic kits, noting that the Neogen Reveal® Q+ MAX for T-2/HT-2 performed best, although none of the current kits are suitable for potential future regulatory limits. 

• Recommendations:
  1. Further research is needed on Fusarium sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae, focusing on how environmental factors affect their growth and toxin production. Developing predictive models for their growth and mycotoxin production would help in early contamination risk mitigation.
  2. Processors should adopt a two-tier testing system for mycotoxins, including rapid on-site testing by farmers and confirmatory tests (LC-MS/MS) for non-compliant crops. This ensures thorough monitoring and consumer protection.
  3. High-resolution mass spectrometry research should be expanded to both compliant and non-compliant crops, especially for emerging mycotoxins. This helps the industry proactively manage changing mycotoxin profiles due to environmental factors.
  4. Improved and harmonized sampling procedures across the industry are essential for accurate mycotoxin detection, with focused information and training provided to stakeholders.
  5. The Neogen Reveal® Q+ MAX Kit performed best for T-2/HT-2 detection, but if regulatory limits change, further evaluations will be needed to ensure kits remain effective.
  6. Collective validation of test kits by companies could save time and costs by organizing a single validation process for shared kits.
  7. Potential regulation changes for T-2 and HT-2 toxins will likely impact test kit performance, requiring adjustments and further validation.