Mycotoxins, typically the secondary metabolites of fungi are natural/chemical food hazards of global public health and trade concern. These hazards are ubiquitous and contaminate several agricultural commodities in the field and during storage, given suitable environmental conditions. A range of health conditions associated with mycotoxins have been reported or speculated, including impaired/stunted growth, liver cancer, oesophageal cancer, hepatitis, and immune suppression among others.
It is reported that even with very good practices (e.g. storage, handling, harvesting etc), the elaboration of mycotoxins is not fully assured thus remaining a challenge. Furthermore, many mycotoxins are difficult to eliminate through food processing since they are stable to heat, physical and chemical treatment. Sound testing and monitoring programmes are therefore necessary to reduce the risk of consumer exposure. Food safety laboratories need to be well equipped and have relevant analytical methods. Accessing methods can be a challenge to some laboratories. The database therefore seeks to contribute to alleviating this problem by making methods accessible.
Click here to access a database for mycotoxin analytical methods
Click here to submit a method (mycotoxin analysis) for publication
