ISSUE FOCUS 44 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 Mycotoxin Testing for Millers: ENSURING SAFE AND HIGH-QUALITY FEED Anneliese Müller Product Manager Mycotoxin Risk Management, ANH dsm-firmenich Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi, pose a significant risk to both human health and animal welfare. As millers, it is crucial to understand mycotoxin contamination, implement effective testing protocols, and mitigate risks throughout the feed production process. In this educational article, we’ll explore key considerations and strategies for mycotoxin testing in the milling industry. UNDERSTANDING COMMON MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION Mycotoxins can contaminate various crops, including wheat, barley, oats, maize, and rye. Different regions and climates may favour the growth of specific mycotoxin-producing fungi. To stay informed, millers should rely on mycotoxin survey data specific to their area. By understanding common mycotoxins and their prevalence, millers can make informed decisions about sourcing raw materials. COLLABORATING WITH SUPPLIERS Millers should actively communicate with suppliers to gather information on mycotoxin levels in incoming ingredients. Suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of raw materials. By requesting data on mycotoxin contamination, millers can assess the risk associated with each batch of ingredients. RAPID TESTING FOR MAIN MYCOTOXINS Rapid tests are essential for timely mycotoxin detection. These tests provide quick results for main mycotoxins, allowing millers to take immediate action. Regardless of the source of feed materials, rapid testing, as part of a quality control process leads to better awareness of mycotoxin risks and allows for proper mycotoxin management. BEYOND COMPOUND FEED: ADDITIONAL RISKS While compound feed production is a critical stage, millers must also consider risks from other sources. Byproducts, straw, and other farm-level factors can introduce mycotoxins into the feed supply chain. Millers should be vigilant and address potential contamination risks beyond the feed mill. PROPER SAMPLING PROCEDURES Mycotoxins are not evenly distributed within raw materials. Hot spots can occur, leading to inaccurate test results. Millers must follow proper sampling procedures to ensure representative samples. Regular sampling and testing are essential to maintain consistent quality. Assessing mycotoxins can be difficult due to the uneven distribution of mycotoxins in the commodity, especially in whole kernels. Different parts of the lot may contain different concentrations of mycotoxins. Depending on the type
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