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Fusarium mycotoxin incidence and levels

Fusarium mycotoxins update

Concentrations of fusarium (field) mycotoxins in UK grain are generally very low but due to the large quantity of cereals consumed by humans and animals, cereals and cereal based products are important potential sources of mycotoxins in the diet.  In recognition of this, the EU has now set maximum permitted concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in unprocessed cereals for human consumption (shown below).  Lower limits apply for processed cereal products and infant foods.

The HGCA and FSA have conducted surveys of fusarium mycotoxins for a number of years and the attached document shows summary results since 2002.   The 2008 column contains complete data from last year's harvest. The 2009 column will be updated as results become available.