The Food and Environment Research Agency

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» CropMonitor
» Food analysis
» Proficiency testing
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» Fusarium mycotoxins

Welcome to the homepage for Fera's mycotoxin database. Here you can find information on:

• » Limits and regulations
• » Risk management
• » Training
• » Proficiency testing

Mycotoxins are widely regarded as amongst the most serious of naturally occurring toxins that can contaminate our food supply. Meeting stringent legislation on permissible limits is crucial. With the potential to contaminate both primary and processed foodstuffs it is vital that a holistic approach to risk assessment, detection, prevention and control is taken at all stages of the food chain.

Manage the risk

Expertise at all stages of production;- supporting UK government and European policy, individual businesses and the wider food industry.

In the field
Crops in the field are at risk from the fungi which can produce mycotoxins. Our team of plant pathologists, mycologists and modellers offer a breadth of expertise from the underlying epidemiology of arable and horticultural crop diseases; best practice in the application of fungicides; through to real time monitoring and risk assessment. Specialising in the research that underpins the management of Fusarium on arable crops, we also offer bespoke consultancy, training and commercial testing services -

- Crop Monitor - Free rapid online access to the latest crop disease levels in your region
- Fungicide efficacy trials
- Varietal resistance trials
- For daily-updated information on pesticide approvals and MRLs, visit LIAISON, Fera's on-line database

For further information email - mycotoxins@csl.gov.uk

Post harvest
Although there are a number of mycotoxins that can be produced on arable grains post-harvest during advanced decay, current international concern is focused on ochratoxin A (OTA). Our HGCA-funded research and participation in EU projects has concentrated on minimising the risk of OTA under temperate climates by integrating engineering models of drying with predictive models of OTA formation to check success of current ambient air techniques in preventing OTA formation and improving system performance to reduce OTA risk. We have been actively involved in helping industry seek practical alternatives to the labour intensive sampling guidelines in EU Directive 2002/26/EC. We also have expertise in fungal ecology, the application of hygiene measures and chemical protectants. This expertise is currently being extended into other food commodities such as cocoa.

- Damp grain at risk from toxin production - August 2004, Fera News article

For further information email - mycotoxins@csl.gov.uk

Supported by professional analysis at all stages of production
Fera has the expertise and analytical techniques to ensure that organisations throughout the food chain, from growers to retailers, are able to safeguard their customers by minimising mycotoxin levels and conforming to the latest regulations. We offer fully UKAS accredited sample analysis for aflatoxins, trichothecenes such as deoxynivalenol, patulin, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and fumonisins on a range of food and feedstuffs, supported by guidance on representative sample collection, helping to ensure you receive meaningful results.

For further information email - foodanalysis@csl.gov.uk

We have been actively developing rapid immunodiagnostic methods for moulds and mycotoxins providing the expertise and capability for the production of rapid laboratory (e.g. ELISA, immuno-affinity column) and on-site (e.g. Lateral Flow Devices through Pocketdiagnostics™) immunoassay systems.

For further information email - mycotoxins@csl.gov.uk

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Building skills

Our analytical chemistry for food safety training programmes provides a stimulating combination of hands-on practical and theory teaching. Courses are designed for professionals seeking to update or expand their knowledge of specific analytical areas within an EU regulatory framework. We aim to create a learning experience for each course member which will equip them with skills that can be applied directly in the workplace. Training is carried out in first class facilities, by highly experienced staff, and is delivered through seminars, practical work and demonstrations.

Email foodtraining@csl.gov.uk for information on courses.

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Demonstrate your competency - FAPAS®

The demand for independent proof of competence from regulatory bodies and customers means that proficiency testing is relevant to all laboratories testing food and feed for quality and safety in every country. As a requirement of ISO accreditation and EU Regulation, proficiency testing is an essential element of laboratory quality assurance. FAPAS® offers a wide range of proficiency tests in the area of mycotoxin analysis. We offer tests for aflatoxins, patulin, ochratoxin A and fusarium mycotoxins in a range of matrices including peanut, maize baby food, animal feeds, coffee and breakfast cereals. Further details can be found at www.fapas.com.

For further information email fapas@csl.gov.uk

For all general mycotoxin enquiries email - mycotoxins@csl.gov.uk

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