Contaminants

OCCURRENCE DATA OF TRICHOTHECENE MYCOTOXINS T-2 TOXIN AND HT-2 TOXIN IN FOOD AND FEED -RIKILT-2010-

The aim of the current study was to collect, compile and synthesise data on T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin, including contamination of food and feed commodities and products thereof in Europe.

The available data show that oats can be highly contaminated with T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin, with frequently high incidence and concentration.

The occurrence and concentration of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in barley has increased across Europe since 2004, and stabilized at an incidence of about 80%. Contamination in the resulting malt used for beer production has also increased.

In some occasions, maize is contaminated with T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin, usually at a moderate level. T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin contamination of wheat occurs very infrequently and at a low concentration level.

Feed products that can be highly contaminated include by-products from oat processing (pellets). Food products generally show low incidence and concentration of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin, however, oat products may contain the two mycotoxins.

Report on T-2 y HT-2

DETOXIFYING AGENTS OF MICOTOXINS

Mycotoxins are relatively stable and small molecules, which are very difficult to remove or overcome, and enter the feed chain, maintaining its toxic properties.

To avoid this, there are different methods that can detoxify mycotoxins:
-Natural methods
- Physical methods
-Microbiological methods
-Chemical Methods

REVIEW OF MYCOTOXIN-DETOXIFYING AGENTS USED AS FEED ADDITIVES: MODE OF ACTION, EFFICACY AND FEED/FOOD SAFETY

The mycotoxins of major concern as feed contaminants that are potentially removable from feed, are mainly aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, Fusarium toxins (trichothecenes like deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, nivalenol, T2-toxin/HT2-toxin, zearalenone and fumonisins). One of the strategies for reducing the exposure to mycotoxins is to decrease their bioavailability by including various mycotoxin-adsorbing agents in the compound feed, which leads to a reduction of mycotoxin uptake as well as distribution to the blood and target organs. Another strategy is the degradation of mycotoxins into non-toxic metabolites by using biotransforming agents such as bacteria/fungi or enzymes. The specific objectives of the project are to provide a critical and extensive review on mycotoxins detoxifying agents.