Challenges and Future State for Mycotoxin Analysis: A Review From a Regulatory Perspective

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Mycotoxins are fungal toxins that can contaminate food and animal feed.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employs a mycotoxin program for food supply safety.
• Mycotoxin analysis is crucial for data analysis, scientific assessments, and risk management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the FDA's efforts in developing and implementing analytical tools for mycotoxin analysis.
• To highlight the connection between analytical methodologies and scientific assessments in regulatory contexts.
• To discuss challenges, advancements, and future directions in mycotoxin detection and risk management.

Main Methods:

• Focus on the development and incorporation of fit-for-purpose analytical tools.
• Review of existing and emerging analytical methodologies for mycotoxin detection.
• Examination of the relationship between analytical data and scientific assessments.

Main Results:

• Continuous efforts by the FDA to advance mycotoxin analysis.
• Identification of challenges and recent advancements in analytical methods.
• Exploration of future possibilities for analytical tools and preventative strategies.

Conclusions:

• Analytical methodologies are central to the FDA's mycotoxin program.
• Ongoing development of analytical tools is necessary to meet evolving regulatory demands.
• Integration of advanced analytical techniques supports effective risk management for food safety.