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Updated: May 12, 2026
10:01
Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
Deoxynivalenol (DON) in hartweizen.
1Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Sigmaringen, Hedingerstr. 2/1, D-72488, Sigmaringen.
Mycotoxin Research
|April 23, 2013
Summary
High levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) in durum wheat were detected in 2001, prompting increased quality controls. By 2002, DON contamination significantly decreased, showing successful industry efforts to improve pasta product safety.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Mycotoxicology
- Agricultural Chemistry
Background:
- High contamination levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) were identified in noodles in 2001.
- This led to an investigation of Durum wheat, the raw material for these products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination levels in Durum wheat.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of increased quality controls implemented by producers.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the analysis.
- 53 samples of Durum wheat were analyzed in 2001, followed by 60 samples in 2002.
Main Results:
- In 2001, 89% of samples were positive for DON, with a median concentration of 790 μg/kg, exceeding the EU action level.
- In 2002, 85% of samples were positive, but the median concentration dropped to 215 μg/kg, below the probable maximum level.
Conclusions:
- Producers' increased quality controls significantly reduced DON contamination in Durum wheat.
- These efforts successfully decreased DON levels in pasta products, enhancing food safety.
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