Mycotoxins are highly toxic and stable, and cannot be easily destroyed by heating or pressing. Even trace intake can pose risks to health. In the context of global trade, conducting mycotoxin testing in accordance with international standards is crucial for enterprises to adapt to markets and avoid risks. Its importance is reflected in the following five aspects:
1. Safeguarding the Health of Global Consumers
International bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the European Union (EU) have clearly defined hazard thresholds for mycotoxins. For instance, the CAC stipulates that the limit of Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in peanuts shall be ≤15μg/kg, while the EU Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 requires AFB₁ in peanuts to be ≤2μg/kg (≤0.1μg/kg for infant food). The US FDA sets the limit of AFB₁ in peanuts at ≤20μg/kg. Additionally, the EU mandates that Deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat flour shall be ≤1250μg/kg (≤200μg/kg for infant food). AFB₁ is a Group 1 carcinogen, DON irritates the gastrointestinal tract, and Ochratoxin A (OTA) damages the kidneys through the food chain. By conducting testing in line with international standards, enterprises can block toxic raw materials and prevent health complaints caused by exported products.
2. Avoiding International Trade Risks
International standards serve as the core basis for customs clearance. In 2023, a Chinese grain and oil enterprise exported corn grits to the EU. Due to the DON content reaching 1300μg/kg (exceeding the EU limit of 1250μg/kg), the shipment was reported via the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), resulting in the goods being returned and losses exceeding 500,000 yuan. The US FDA automatically detains food with AFB₁ exceeding 20μg/kg or DON exceeding 1000μg/kg. Many Southeast Asian countries refer to CAC standards and reject products that fail to meet the requirements. Domestic standards are relatively lenient (e.g., GB 2761-2022 stipulates AFB₁ in peanuts ≤20μg/kg). Relying solely on domestic testing standards may lead to the situation where "products are qualified domestically but unqualified internationally".
3. Enhancing the International Competitiveness of Products
Excessive mycotoxin levels can increase production losses. If imported Brazilian soybeans have an AFB₁ content of 25μg/kg (exceeding the EU limit of 2μg/kg), the scrapping of 100 tons of raw materials will result in a loss of 400,000 yuan, not to mention additional costs such as customs duties and freight. When AFB₁ enters crude oil, in-depth detoxification processes will increase refining costs by 15%-20% and raise the loss rate from 3% to 10%. Mycotoxin levels in raw materials vary significantly by origin (e.g., the AFB₁ excess rate in peanuts from Africa is higher than that from North America). Conducting batch-by-batch testing in accordance with international standards can stabilize product quality and consolidate the supply chain. 4. Maintaining International Brand Reputation
In the international market, compliance is the cornerstone of brand reputation. In 2022, an international nut brand exported pistachios to Europe. With an AFB₁ content of 5μg/kg (exceeding the EU limit of 2μg/kg), the brand was reported, leading to the removal of its entire product line from supermarket shelves and a 40% drop in sales in Europe. In contrast, a Chinese grain and oil enterprise exporting to Southeast Asia labeled its products with "Compliant with CAC standards, AFB₁ ≤15μg/kg" and published test reports. Its repurchase rate was 20% higher than the industry average, establishing a "safe and compliant" brand image.
5. Promoting the Internationalization of the Industrial Chain
Enterprise testing standards drive the upgrading of the upstream supply chain. To meet the EU's AFB₁ limit of 2μg/kg, international raw material suppliers will select production areas with low mold risk and optimize storage conditions. The "rapid preliminary screening + laboratory confirmation" system established by leading enterprises sets a benchmark, driving small and medium-sized enterprises to adapt to international standards. For example, a Chinese feed enterprise exporting to Africa tested corn for DON in accordance with EU standards (≤1250μg/kg), helping to reduce the mold rate of local corn from 20% to 8% and achieving a win-win situation for the enterprise, raw material suppliers, and overseas markets.
Conclusion
Mycotoxin testing is a necessary investment for enterprises. Colloidal gold test cards (EU CE certified) and ELISA kits (US AOAC certified) enable rapid compliance with standards. As regulations become stricter in the future, "compliance with international standards" will be a prerequisite for entering the global market. Enterprises must integrate testing into the entire production process to achieve sustainable development.
Tags:
Mycotoxin
2025-08-28
XinyuBio
890
