Multimycotoxin analysis in Brazilian beer and health risk assessment

This study validated an analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of 13 mycotoxins in beer using online solid-phase extraction coupled with UPLC-MS/MS and assessed their occurrence in 87 Brazilian samples, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The method showed high sensitivity, selectivity and linearity (R² > 0.99), with acceptable recovery and precision, except for ochratoxin A and nivalenol at higher levels. Mycotoxins were detected in 94.3% of the samples. Fumonisin B1 was the most frequent mycotoxin, while 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol had the highest mean level (190 ng/mL). Ochratoxin A was not detected. Estimated daily intake data were compared with toxicological reference values. Although exposure levels were generally below health-based guidance values, margin of exposure analysis indicated potential concern regarding aflatoxin intake. These results underscore the need for continuous monitoring to ensure consumer safety and minimise health risks associated with chronic exposure to mycotoxins through beer consumption.