Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds for humans and animals that are produced by fungi. Mycotoxin contamination in feed is a global safety concern and effective control of these compounds in this matrix is needed. This study proposes a simple, cost-effective analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector, which is suitable for the routine monitoring of some of the most important mycotoxins in feed: aflatoxins (G2, G1, B2, and B1), zearalenone, and ochratoxins A and B. Mycotoxin extraction, chromatographic separation and quantification are carried out simultaneously for all mycotoxins. The extraction procedure is performed using acetonitrile, water and orthophosphoric acid (80:19:1). Purification of the extract is carried out using an OASIS PRIME HLB solid-phase extraction cartridge followed by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure. Aflatoxins G1 and B1 are derivatized post-column (photochemical reactor at 254 nm) to increase their signal. The method has been validated in feed for pigs, cows, sheep, and poultry with very satisfactory results. The detection limits are 2 μg/kg for aflatoxins B1 and G1, 0.64 μg/kg for aflatoxins B2 and G2, 42 μg/kg for zearalenone, and 5 μg/kg for ochratoxins A and B. These values are low enough to allow for monitoring of these mycotoxins in feed. Global recovery values were between 73.6% and 88.0% for all toxins with a relative standard deviation (RSD) % < 7%. This methodology will facilitate laboratory control and analysis of mycotoxins in feed.
Highlights
The value of animals for food production is approximately €130 billion in the European Union (EU) [1]; animal diseases and health problems that reduce production of animal derived products have a major impact on global economics and trade
The presence of different mycotoxins in one raw material is highly likely because a raw material can be infected by several fungi, one fungus can produce more than one mycotoxin and, feed is a complex mix of raw materials
We have developed an industry-oriented Liquid chromatography (LC)-fluorescence detector (FLD) method that achieves multi-detection of seven mycotoxins in feed chosen for their presence and interest in this matrix
Summary
The value of animals for food production is approximately €130 billion in the European Union (EU) [1]; animal diseases and health problems that reduce production of animal derived products have a major impact on global economics and trade. One more very important reason for maintaining animal health is to protect consumer health. Some contaminants can enter the human food chain through food-producing animals, and if feed is contaminated and not monitored, it may have an impact on food safety [2]. Animal health is a major challenge worldwide and must be protected, especially through adequate nutrition [3]. The EU define feed as “any substance or product, including additives, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended to be used for oral feeding to animals” [2]. Animals for Toxins 2020, 12, 374; doi:10.3390/toxins12060374 www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins
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