Prevention is the best solution against Fusarium and Alternaria mycotoxins

The European Food Safety Authority, Efsa, is very strict about mycotoxins. The most controlled fruit and vegetables are dried fruits, dehydrated fruit and, for some time now, also fruit juices and tomato purees. In particular, with the increasing Alternaria gaisen (see Freshplaza of 06/17/2020) the by-products of the pear may also have problems. The Sicural Laboratory is a pioneer in regards to studying and monitoring mycotoxins.

"Alternaria and Fusarium can produce high concentrations of mycotoxins on the fruit, which could also be found in juices and purées. At the moment there are no legal limits for this new type of mycotoxins, but we expect the law to intervene in the matter, as has already happened in the past. However, Sicural is able to carry out all the necessary verifications," explained Maverik Bezzi.

By knowing the level of mycotoxin pollution, it is possible to act preventively. If it results with a high mycotoxin load, you must get at the root cause to avoid the repetition of the fungal attack. Furthermore, if your production is healthy, it is an added value for the consumer.

 The Sicural team

"Moreover, by already carrying out the analyses, the operators in this sector will be advantaged when laws will impose restrictions. The measurements are carried out in liquid chromatography with mass spectrometer and we are able to detect the different types of mycotoxins in a single flow," said Brezzi.

Maverik Bezzi

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by different types of fungi, mainly belonging to the Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium genera. In some particular environmental conditions, when temperature and humidity are favorable, these fungi proliferate and can produce mycotoxins.

Sicural is able to provide timely results by performing analytical services under emergency procedure, if needed. The laboratory is certified to perform controls on almost all types of mycotoxins, and in any case on all those involving dried and dehydrated fruits, as well as cereals, flour and wine.