5 common challenges in controlling mycotoxins

Controlling mycotoxins in food is one of the key tasks in the field of food safety and consumer protection. The toxic metabolites of moulds, such as aflatoxins or ochratoxins, can cause considerable damage to health even in very low concentrations – from acute poisoning to chronic diseases such as cancer. This makes it all the more important for manufacturers, laboratories, and regulatory authorities to use reliable detection methods to identify contamination at an early stage and take targeted countermeasures.

However, the analysis and control of mycotoxins is complex and involves a number of technical and practical challenges. Below, we present five of the most common stumbling blocks – and show how modern, validated assays can help to overcome them.

1. Complex food matrices make mycotoxin detection difficult

Foods vary greatly in composition depending on the product group: cereals contain mainly starch and proteins, nuts are characterized by a high fat content, dried fruits are rich in sugar, while herbs and spices stand out for their complex flavorings and secondary plant compounds. These so-called matrices often have a significant impact on the analysis—for example, by interfering with the chemical reactions within the test procedure or causing so-called matrix effects that reduce detection accuracy.

Particularly critical: Some ingredients can mask the actual analyte (i.e., the mycotoxin) or generate similar signals in the test system, which increases the risk of false-positive or false-negative results. It is therefore essential that the detection methods used are specifically adapted to the respective matrix.

Modern assays, such as those developed by SAFIA, are specially validated for different types of food. They enable reliable detection even in complex matrices – without time-consuming sample preparation. This makes the analysis not only more precise, but also more efficient and suitable for everyday use.

2. Low detection limits required

A key problem in mycotoxin analysis is the fact that many of these toxins can be toxic even in very low concentrations. Depending on the toxin and foodstuff, the maximum permissible limits are often in the microgram range. The requirements for the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the test systems are correspondingly high.

Assays must be able to reliably detect even the smallest amounts without signals being distorted by other substances. At the same time, the method must be reproducible and deliver consistent results even when tests are repeated.

SAFIA's assays are designed to reliably detect even the lowest concentrations of mycotoxins. They achieve excellent limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ), thus meeting the legal requirements for maximum levels in food and feed.

3. The balance between speed and precision

In practice, every minute counts: food companies need laboratory results quickly in order to make production decisions or put goods on the market. Delayed analyses can not only incur costs, but also lead to production stoppages or even recalls. On the other hand, speed must not come at the expense of accuracy – because incorrect results can lead to serious misjudgments.

The assays developed by SAFIA offer an ideal balance between analysis speed and accuracy. They deliver fast results that are both precise and reliable. This gives companies a sound basis for decision-making – without compromising on the quality of the analysis.

4. Compliance with national and international limits

Food companies face the challenge that legal limits for mycotoxins can vary greatly depending on the country, product category, and intended use. The regulations of the European Union, for example, differ significantly from those of other economic areas such as the US or China. In addition, there are industry-specific requirements from customers.

This diversity of specifications makes it necessary for test procedures to be not only precise, but also compliant and auditable.

SAFIA assays are specifically designed to meet the requirements of common regulations – both national legislation and international standards. This makes them a reliable basis for ensuring compliance during inspections, exports, or internal audits.

5. Difficult sampling and homogenization

Sampling is an often underestimated factor in mycotoxin analysis. This is because mycotoxins are often unevenly distributed in food. This so-called hot spot phenomenon or nesting leads to high concentrations occurring locally, while other areas are virtually free of contamination.

Without careful, representative sampling and thorough homogenization, analysis results can be severely distorted, with the risk of false-negative findings. Standardized procedures are therefore essential to achieve reliable and reproducible results.

A key set of rules is Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2782, which regulates the requirements for sampling procedures and analysis methods for mycotoxin detection. The aim of the regulation is to ensure uniform standards for the detection of mycotoxins in food within the EU – in particular with regard to accuracy, repeatability, and legally compliant evaluation of results. This regulation was adopted on December 14, 2023, and entered into force on April 1, 2024. It replaces the previous Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 and sets binding standards for sampling and analysis methods for the detection of mycotoxins in food.

Conclusion: Reliable mycotoxin control requires precision – and the right tools

The analysis of mycotoxins in food is a complex challenge – but one that can be solved with the right methods. Sensitivity, speed, regulatory compliance, and sound sampling are crucial.

SAFIA's test systems are specially developed for these requirements and offer companies and authorities a reliable basis for detecting contamination risks at an early stage and taking appropriate measures.

Would you like to learn more about our solutions or optimize your current analysis processes?

We are happy to advise you – competently, individually, and practically.