– Establishment of analytical methods for mycotoxins from storage fungi
Stored agricultural products such as grain, vegetables, fruits and ensilaged grass can be infected by so-called storage fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium strains. These fungi can produce a wide range of highly toxic mycotoxins including carcinogenic aflatoxins and mutagenic patulin, which cause potential health risk to animals and humans after intake with feed and food.
In Norway, each year there are reports about suspected poisonings caused by mycotoxins in feed and food products. Considering that increased humidity, connected to changes towards a wetter climate, is favouring the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi, the number of direct intoxications is expected to rise. Furthermore, efforts to reuse organic materials as a part of a development towards circular and more sustainable economy could contribute to increased challenges from storage fungi infections and mycotoxins. The availability of analytical methods for the survey of typical storage mycotoxins is therefore essential.
The aim of ToxiStor is therefore to develop a multi-method suitable for the analysis of storage fungi-produced mycotoxins in relevant matrices including animal feed and food products such as fruit, nuts and cheese.
Funded by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute
Project period: 2026