Trichothecenes

Fera Science Limited analyse food or feed samples to measure levels of a number of type A and type B trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fusarenon X, 3-Acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-Acetyldeoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and neosolaniol). The methods used are fully compliant with EU contaminants legislation and allow you to assess your compliance with regulatory limits in place.

National Reference Laboratory - Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins

Fera is the UK National Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins in Food and Feed, if you would like to know more about the relevant regulations, please follow the link below:

The method we use is fully accredited to ISO17025 for food and feed samples and uses a trichothecene specific charcoal-alumina clean-up column and LC-MS/MS detection approach so we can be sure the results produced are fit for purpose, accurate and precise.

Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins produced by a range of fungi. Although naturally occurring, their effects can be potentially harmful due to their high toxicity and ability to withstand a range of detoxification techniques. They are very stable in air, light and at high temperatures, so cooking will not destroy them, which is why their possible presence in the food chain needs to be considered.

Trichothecenes are well known for causing poisoning to both humans and animals, causing major problems in the farming industry if animals eat contaminated feed resulting in potential alimentary haemorrhage, vomiting and ultimately death.

A number of outbreaks of human diseases involving nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, diarrhoea and headache have occurred, particularly in Asia, where these outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of trichothecene contaminated grains. Toxicity of the trichothecenes varies, but since T-2 toxin is acutely toxic to humans, it is one of the main trichothecenes of interest and has recently been reviewed by EFSA.

Regulatory limits for trichothecenes in food and feed are laid down in multiple EU regulations/recommendations and their amendments.

FC24 - Food Safety Support Tool

A 2 week free trial is available to test out FC24, if you are interested in this, please follow the link below: