Moniliformin in cereal grains available in the Japanese market

Moniliformin (MON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, has recently raised health concerns. Therefore, MON levels were determined in 399 cereal grain samples obtained from retail stores across Japan between April 2020 and July 2024. The survey showed the presence of MON in 36% of the tested samples. It was mainly found in Job's tears products, corn-based products, Japanese wheat flour and rye. The highest level (3109 µg/kg) was present in a Job's tears product. Co-occurrence of MON with fumonisins was observed in corn-based products and the contamination of both mycotoxins was correlated. The obtained results indicate that Japanese people may be exposed to MON through the consumption of cereal products. Further studies on its occurrence and toxicity are advisable to achieve a more accurate health risk assessment of MON for the Japanese population.