Early mycotoxin detection, prevention and management
From inbound feed raw materials screening to regulatory compliance and conformance verification, the need for rapid methods and laboratory-based testing for mycotoxin detection is growing.
BY PATRICIA JACKSON, VICAM A
flatoxins were first identified as a threat to animal feeds more than 60 years ago. Since then, science has confirmed the existence of hundreds of mycotoxins, while just a few exhibit sufficient
toxicity to warrant regulatory action, including; aflatoxins, fumonisins, vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol/DON), zearalenone, ochratoxin A and the combination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Strict regulatory limits govern maximum allowable levels for unprocessed cereals, animal feed ingredients and finished feed products in the EU, US, Canada, Brazil, Korea, Japan and more geographic regions. In addition, initiatives such as the US Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are driving de- mand for preventive monitoring tools that enable early de- tection of potential threats to feed quality and safety. Feed manufacturers are faced with not only concerns about individual mycotoxins, but the possibility that more than one toxin is lurking in a single raw material or finished feed. The need to find and manage each potential threat is an essential step for cereal grains, milled products, oilseeds and other feedstuffs prior to acceptance into storage or manufacturing.
Simple, smart and safe Innovations in rapid testing technologies have eliminated the need for cumbersome and complex testing procedures. Lateral flow strip tests have replaced earlier methods, offering single or multiple toxin detection from a single extraction, removing the need for individualised protocols for each mycotoxin.
Improvements in rapid methods Lateral Flow Strip Tests
62 ▶ MYCOTOXINS | NOVEMBER 2021
Reducing mycotoxin
contamination
protects livestock health, improving production and profitability.
Lateral flow strip tests have evolved to use a water-based alternative to traditional organic solvent extraction. Water based extraction improves safety, reduces costs associated with solvent purchase, storage and disposal. However, earlier extraction protocols required hand shaking or vortex mixing for several minutes. However, a new technology is changing extraction for strip tests for the better. A newly available extraction system, Vertu PREP, offers a 30 second extraction. Working in combination with the Vertu TOUCH strip test reader, up to six mycotoxins can be detected and quantified in minutes. This approach is uniquely designed to reduce time and consumables use by up to 77% and the test is easily customised to run 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 mycotoxins.
Choosing the right test While evaluating on-site testing options, start with an honest assessment of your operational needs: • Who will function as the primary testing technician? • Do multiple shifts require training and support? • How will the test results be shared and used by quality team members?
PHOTO: JEVTIC
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