Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Alternaria. They can contaminate crops pre- and post-harvest and remain stable through processing. Many exhibit hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunotoxic or carcinogenic effects; aflatoxin B₁ is classified as IARC Group 1.
We quantify all regulated and extended mycotoxins under ISO/IEC 17025 – aflatoxins and ochratoxin A by HPLC-FLD, Fusarium toxins by LC-MS/MS.
Cereals are highly susceptible to Fusarium toxins due to field infection and moisture at harvest. Processing reduces but does not eliminate toxin levels.
Typical applications: Raw-material checks, incoming goods control, baby-food compliance, flour and milling monitoring.
Warm storage conditions and long supply chains favour Aspergillus contamination; lots often show strong heterogeneity.
Typical applications: Export testing, high-risk batch screening, storage monitoring, release testing for nut and dried-fruit processors.
Tropical origin, open-air drying and fine grinding increase aflatoxin and OTA risk and often produce uneven contamination profiles.
Typical applications: Supplier verification, import controls, blending checks, retail compliance programmes.
Fermentation, drying and long storage influence OTA formation; roasting has limited effect on toxin stability.
Typical applications: Origin comparison, batch release, QC of cocoa powders and coffee beans.
Aflatoxin M1 reflects the aflatoxin burden of dairy feed; seasonal and feeding-related variations are common.
Typical applications: Milk surveillance, dairy processing checks, aflatoxin M₁ regulatory compliance.
Feed combines field- and storage-related risks; heterogeneous mixtures require representative sampling for reliable assessment.
Typical applications: Feed-mill monitoring, livestock risk assessment, QA programmes, compliance with Directive 2002/32/EC.
Regulated under Regulation (EU) 2023/915 defining maximum levels for mycotoxins in food, and under Directive 2002/32/EC for undesirable substances in animal feed. Matrix-specific limits and processing effects play a key role in result interpretation.
UK market: EU-derived requirements for mycotoxins apply under UK retained EU law, with assessment against the applicable UK legislation.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids, opium alkaloids, coumarin – plant-derived contaminants often co-occurring with mycotoxins in botanical matrices.
Multi-screening of ~700 pesticides. Fungicide residues (e.g. azoles) are often tested alongside mycotoxins for comprehensive crop quality assessment.
