Mycotoxin Testing

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced naturally by certain mold species that are commonly found in many grain products, nuts, and feeds. The molds primarily responsible for producing mycotoxins are Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillin. Mycotoxin contamination found in bulk grain storage can be very poorly distributed. One kernel of highly contaminated corn in a 10 lb sample can result in as much as 10 ppb of Aflatoxin. Thus, sampling requires experience, good technique, and adherence to industry recommended practices.

In the laboratory, proper handling is just as critical to accurate testing results. Procedures at Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories (ECAL) for grinding, mixing, and splitting the sample go well beyond published methods. Sample weight selection for grinding and weighing is based on proven demonstrations of homogeneity and test reproducibility.

Modern ELISA technology provides sensitive and accurate data necessary to meet most commercial contractual specifications. ECAL commonly uses Neogen Veratox ELISA technology.

Confirmation of ELISA results, or where the highest level of accuracy is required, other methods may also be performed, especially in mixed feeds and grain by-products. ECAL performs published AOAC methods and modern HPLC and GC equipment to perform these confirmations, including:

• Thermo Separation HPLCs with fluorescence detectors for aflatoxin analysis.
• Applied Biosystems LC-MSMS for analysis of aflatoxin, zearalenone, fumonisin, ochratoxin, DON, tricothecenes and citrinin. This instrument provides the ultimate selectivity and sensitivity for these difficult classes. Typical detection limits of less than 1ppb are routine.