Mycotoxins in cereals

Mycotoxin risk management in cereals is based on the risk assessment carried out. It must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, i.e. for each mycotoxin/substrate pairing, due to the multiplicity of agro-climatic factors and cultivation techniques involved. It has developed considerably over the last 20 years, but is only properly documented for a few mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins), as well as ergot (known as "rye ergot", but which can also be found on other grains).

Because of the wide variety of situations that can arise, the management guidelines presented below only concern France and the mycotoxins most frequently encountered.

Mycotoxin risk management is carried out through legislation, through public and private monitoring plans, and through preventive and curative technical actions. The latter concerns the various stages of grain processing, from production in the field, harvesting and storage, through to delivery to the industries that use them in food products for humans and animals.