Simultaneous Presence of Mycotoxins in Feed Intended for Food-Producing Animals.

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the simultaneous presence of mycotoxins in feed intended for food-producing animals. A validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analytical method was used for the determination and quantification of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and zearalenone. The correlation coefficient indicated a good fit for all analytes, ranging from 0.991 to 0.999, while the mean recoveries were between 76 and 108%. The occurrence of one or more mycotoxins was detected in 42% of all feed samples investigated, at concentrations ranging between 0.0030 and 0.042 mg/kg for AFB1 and 0.16 and 0.95 and 0.016 and 1.5 mg/kg for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, respectively. The sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins ranged from 0.011 to 0.088 mg/kg, while the sum of fumonisins was between 0.010 and 14 mg/kg. Twenty-four positive samples (28%) showed the co-presence of ZEA and/or DON with FB1 and FB2, six of which were also contaminated with T-2 and HT-2 toxins. The need for continuous monitoring is particularly emphasized to ensure the health of both animals and humans.