JRC analytical methods to measure mycotoxins in infant food become standards
The European Committee for Standardization, CEN, has adopted two analytical methods developed by the JRC’s Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements to measure the levels of mycotoxins in infant food.
Mycotoxins are toxic contaminants produced by fungi. These toxins can enter in the food chain as a result of crops infected by fungi, either by being directly consumed by humans, or by being used as livestock feed for animals. Strikingly, mycotoxins are extremely resistant to processing, and even to temperature treatments. Analytical methods were developed to measure aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone mycotoxins in cereal products for infants and young children. These methods were adopted by CEN as European standards with an entry into force as national standards at the latest by October 2010.
