Recent mycotoxin survey data and advanced mycotoxin detection techniques reported from China: a review

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant risk to agro-food systems in China.
• Regulatory limits for mycotoxins in various agro-products have been established by the Ministry of Health.
• Previous surveys have focused on common mycotoxins, but emerging contaminants require attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing data on mycotoxin contamination in Chinese agro-food systems.
• To assess compliance with Chinese regulatory limits for various mycotoxins.
• To highlight advancements in detection techniques for mycotoxins.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of published survey data on mycotoxin contamination in China.
• Analysis of mycotoxin levels in diverse agro-food matrices including cereals, edible oils, milk, and medicinal herbs.
• Evaluation of newly developed immuno-based assays, microarrays, aptamer-based assays, and surface plasmon resonance immunosensors for mycotoxin detection.

Main Results:

• Aflatoxin contamination in most analyzed infant cereals, edible oils, and raw milk is below Chinese regulatory limits.
• Aflatoxin M1 was absent in infant milk powders, indicating effective control.
• Deoxynivalenol was found at high levels in wheat from the Yangtze Delta region.
• Emerging mycotoxins (beauvericins, enniatins) were detected in medicinal herbs.
• Ochratoxin A in wine was below EU limits; fumonisins in maize warrant monitoring.
• Overall, 92% of analyzed samples complied with Chinese mycotoxin regulatory limits.

Conclusions:

• Mycotoxin contamination in China's agro-food system is largely under control, with most samples meeting regulatory standards.
• The emergence of new mycotoxins and the need for monitoring fumonisins in maize highlight areas for future focus.
• Advanced detection technologies, particularly immuno-based assays and biosensors, show promise for sensitive and efficient mycotoxin analysis.