Mykotoxins
Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by molds. Just the slightest traces of this substances are toxic for vertebrates. Several hundred different toxins produced by more than 300 mold species have been described so far.
Since mycotoxins are very thermostable and predominantly produced on food- and feedingstuff, the risk of food and feed poisoning is quite high. It is estimated that up to 25% of the global food and feed production is contaminated with mycotoxins.
In regulations (EC) No. 1881/2006 and 2002/32 which are obligatory for all members maximum levels for mycotoxins are defined.
The most important mycotoxins are:
- Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2)
- Zearalenone
- Deoxynivalenol (DON)
- T2-Toxin
- HT2-Toxin
- Ochratoxin A
- Fumonisins
The very high risk for health damages caused by this substances – they are carcinogenic, neurotoxic, damage the immune system, the embryonic development and different organs, are mutagenic and allergenic – but also the enormous economic importance make the availability of reliable and fast analytical methods for the detection of mycotoxins absolutely essential.
The sensitivity of our detection methods using HPLC-MS exceeds by far all values referred to in European regulations or recommendations.
Impetus Bioscience is arguably the only laboratory that can not only offer a standard processing time of 2-3 working days but also a fast analysis (1 working day) and even an express analysis within 8 hours.
