Multimycotoxin Determination in Tunisian Farm Animal Feed

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that can contaminate animal feed.
• The presence and co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in animal feed pose risks to animal health and food safety.
• Limited data exists on mycotoxin contamination in animal feed marketed in Tunisia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presence and co-occurrence of 22 mycotoxins in animal feed marketed in Tunisia.
• To determine the prevalence of specific mycotoxins and their distribution across different animal feed types.
• To assess potential risks to animal health and food safety based on contamination levels.

Main Methods:

• A QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Rugged, and Safe) method was employed for sample preparation.
• Liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) were used for detection and quantification.
• The analytical method demonstrated good linearity (R > 0.996) and sensitivity, with limits of quantification ranging from 0.1 ng/g to 225 ng/g.

Main Results:

• Eighty-five percent of the 122 analyzed feed samples tested positive for mycotoxins.
• Poultry and rabbit feed samples exhibited the highest contamination levels.
• Enniatin B and deoxynivalenol were the most prevalent mycotoxins detected. Co-occurrence of up to eight mycotoxins was observed.

Conclusions:

• Mycotoxin contamination is a significant issue in Tunisian animal feed, with widespread presence and co-occurrence.
• Although current contamination levels did not exceed EU recommendations, the high prevalence and co-occurrence suggest potential long-term impacts on animal production and food safety.
• Further monitoring and risk assessment are recommended to mitigate potential adverse effects.