Mycotoxin load low in the UK

Levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) were below the lower limit of detection (10ppb) in 76% of samples, while levels of zearalenone (ZON) were below the lower limits of detection (2ppb) in all samples tested.

 

Where DON was detected in grain (26% of samples), levels ranged between 11 and 117ppb. These levels are well below the legislative limit of 1,500ppb.

 

Compulsory DON testing has been suspended for milling wheat produced this harvest due to the low risk of mycotoxin infection.

 

The National Association of British and Irish Millers removed the condition following a Mycotoxin Stakeholder Group meeting on 5 October meaning farmers now only have to fill in their mycotoxin risk assessment.

 

However, there are caveats that some processors who have low mycotoxin tolerances can request deoxynivalenol (DON) testing, says Martin Savage, trade policy manager for Nabim.

 

These will include mills supplying baby food producers, biscuit and cereal makers. Growers should liaise with their merchant if there is any confusion, he says.