ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2023 45 the 12 different EAs in equal amounts to a total of 250 µg/kg for rye or 150 µg/kg for the other four grains. The LC-MS/MS and ELISA results are generally well matched. There are no false negatives, which means that the ELISA can play a valuable role in monitoring the food safety of cereals. The ELISA gives a level higher than 50 μg/kg for four blank samples, apparently a false positive result, but that has to be seen in context. In phase 2, authentic samples were measured as seen in figure 3 (next page). For all grains, some samples were found with an EA content higher than the legal limit, both by LC-MS/ MS and the ELISA (see, for example, wheat samples 3, 7 and 14 in the figure below). This again illustrates the value of the ELISA, because on the basis of a positive result, the grain trader can, for example, decide to choose a different application for the batch of grain. Surprisingly, in some samples (wheat 13, 16) the ELISA gives a significantly higher level of EAs than the LC-MS/MS. In contrast to ELISA, LC-MS/MS sees all individual EAs: so in addition to the 12 regulated EAs, also EAs that may be present in the grain, but that are as yet unregulated. The ELISA cannot make that distinction and thus measures the sum of regulated and unregulated EAs. It is striking, and this can be clearly seen from samples 8, 9 and 10 of barley, that the ELISA seems to react more strongly to the presence of unregulated EA. Examples of this are the EAs of the clavine type. The ELISA can therefore more easily give a false positive result for grains containing unregulated EA. In the event of a positive ELISA, the grain trader can still consider having an additional chemical analysis carried out, which may then lead to the conclusion that the grain meets the legal requirements. In addition, it is important that the grain samples are ground properly and as finely as possible, so that a representative result is obtained. Sclerotia are difficult to grind and distribute homogeneously throughout the test sample. Ergot Alkaloids ELISA The ONLY commercially available kit compliant with Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1399. info@randoxfood.com randoxfood.com And their respective -inine forms Ergometrine Ergosine Ergocornine Ergotamine Ergocristine α-and-ß-Ergocryptine Mycotoxins Detected Export / Import Testing for Feed & Grain
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