Chapter 11 - Mycotoxin management: an international challenge

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic mold secondary metabolites that affect a large percentage of the world's food and feed crops. Contamination with these toxins is well recognized and the health effects of consuming contaminated food may range from acute mycotoxicoses and death to long-term impact on overall health. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins has been related to different types of cancer as well as other diseases. In addition, mycotoxin contamination represents economic losses at various levels that include the loss of the commodities themselves as well as impact on animal productivity and loss of trade. Thus, the establishment of regulatory limits is important to protect public health, food security and the economy. Regulatory limits should always be based on sound risk assessments combined with the development of adequate sampling and analysis methodology. Furthermore, it is important that policymakers consider the delicate balance to achieve an adequate level of protection while avoiding unnecessary economic losses. The dynamic risk assessment of these naturally occurring toxins is essential due to the discovery of new compounds, the shift in climatic and production conditions, and changing dietary patterns of the population on a global scale. Many commercial blocks around the world have established harmonized limits and Codex Alimentarius now has set limits for different commodity/mycotoxin combinations. In addition to setting limits, it is important that the most vulnerable countries receive proper technical assistance to upgrade their systems and help them avoid contamination not only to maintain market access but also to protect the local population.