EUROPEAN MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION IN 2012: INCREASING CONCERN

Mycotoxin contamination of crops represents a widespread problem in the animal feed industry. The major classes of mycotoxins are aflatoxins (Afla), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM), zearalenone (ZEN) and ochratoxin A (OTA). The aim of this study is to obtain information on the occurrence of 5 major mycotoxins in various animal feeds and ingredients samples from different European regions. A total of 4,023 samples sourced worldwide (from January to December 2012), 1,654 sample from Europe were analysed for the most important mycotoxins in terms of agriculture and animal production – Afla, ZEN, DON, FUM and OTA. Samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Only single commodities were analysed by ELISA. More complex matrixes which could interfere with the ELISA method such as Dried Destillers Grains with Solubles and finished feed were analysed by HPLC. For each toxin, results below the quantification limits were expressed as non-detectedAll five major mycotoxins were highly prevalent in European countries and only 21% of all sampled were tested negative for the presence of the analysed mycotoxins. In 40% of animal feed and ingredient samples, more than one different mycotoxin was found. Out of all 4,023 samples, Afla were present in 41%, ZEN in 50%, DON in 67%, FUM in 58% and OTA in 56%. Similar to previous years, DON and FUM present the most prevalent group of mycotoxins with average contamination of 496 and 409 ppb; however average detected contamination levels were lower this year in comparison to 2011 (DON: 673 ppb and FUM 539 ppb). Survey results presented above clearly demonstrate that mycotoxins are a topic of concern in animal feed. An effective mycotoxin risk management program is a key factor for reaching optimum performance in animal husbandry.