Development of a LC-MS/MS Method for the Multi-Mycotoxin Determination in Composite Cereal-Based Samples

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mycotoxicology

Background:

• Mycotoxins are widespread agricultural contaminants with significant human and animal health risks.
• Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A are key mycotoxins of concern due to toxicity and prevalence.
• European legislation mandates limits for various mycotoxins in food and feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a versatile multi-mycotoxin, multi-matrix analytical method.
• To address the challenge of co-occurring mycotoxins in food and feed products.
• To overcome matrix effects in complex samples like cereals.

Main Methods:

• Validation of a multi-mycotoxin and multi-matrix method.
• Utilized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Applied to complex cereal-based samples within the Italian Total Diet Study.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a reliable, sensitive, and versatile method for mycotoxin determination.
• Successfully analyzed complex cereal matrices, overcoming specific matrix effects.
• Provided a crucial tool for monitoring co-occurring mycotoxins.

Conclusions:

• The validated LC-MS/MS method is essential for accurate mycotoxin assessment in diverse food/feed matrices.
• This approach enhances food safety by enabling comprehensive analysis of multiple mycotoxins.
• Supports regulatory compliance and public health protection through improved analytical capabilities.