What are mycotoxins and why does Food MYCOTOXIN TESTING MATTER?
Naturally occurring, invisible to the naked eye, and capable of causing cancer: mycotoxins are one of the most underappreciated hazards in the food supply chain. Here's what every food producer needs to know.
What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain species of mould. The name comes from the Greek mykes (fungus) and the Latin toxicum (poison)—and that description is apt. While not all moulds are harmful, many produce secondary metabolites that are highly damaging to both humans and animals.
What makes them particularly dangerous is their resilience. Mycotoxins frequently survive standard food processing—cooking, drying, and pasteurisation do not reliably destroy them. They also persist through the food chain: a dairy cow that ingests contaminated feed can pass those compounds into its milk.
Which foods are most at risk?
Moulds can colonise a wide range of organic sources, often remaining even after visible mould is removed. High-risk categories include:
How do mycotoxins affect human health?
Effects depend on the specific toxin and the duration of exposure. Unlike acute poisoning, chronic low-level exposure is often the greater regulatory and health concern.
| Toxin | Primary Source | Known Effects | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aflatoxins | Aspergillus (Grains/Nuts) | Liver damage, DNA damage, Cancer | Severe |
| Ochratoxin A | Cereals | Kidney toxicity, Probable carcinogen | High |
| Fusarium | Cereals | Hormonal & Immune disruption | High |
| Patulin | Apples & Fruit | Nausea, vomiting | Moderate |
High concentrations over a short period. Results in immediate symptoms like nausea or liver stress.
Low-level consumption over months/years. Linked to organ damage and immune dysfunction.
Why Mycotoxin testing is non-negotiable
Because mycotoxins are naturally occurring, they cannot be entirely eliminated. Warm, humid conditions will always create opportunities for fungal growth—a reality being accelerated by Climate Change. Warmer conditions are expanding the geographic range where these fungi thrive.
Modern testing: Fast and on-site
Mycotoxin tests no longer requires a laboratory turnaround of days. Devices like the Charm EZ-M Mycotoxin Reader use lateral flow technology to deliver results in minutes. This allows for immediate "accept or reject" decisions at the grain elevator or factory gate, before contamination spreads through the facility.
Protect Your Supply Chain
Calibre Control provides expert guidance and state-of-the-art equipment for mycotoxin detection in food.
Contact Calibre Control