Optimizing sample preparation for homogeneous mycotoxin distribution in official control analyses
Francesca Debegnach1, Emanuela Gregori1, Marianna Rizzo2
1Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Accurate mycotoxin analysis requires effective sample homogenization. Fine grinding and aqueous slurry preparation of maize grain samples proved most effective for achieving reliable and homogeneous results in official controls.
Area of Science:
- Food safety analysis
- Analytical chemistry
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Mycotoxin distribution in cereal batches is highly heterogeneous.
- Accurate analytical results depend on representative sampling.
- Sample homogenization is a critical preparatory step for mycotoxin analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate four homogenization procedures for aggregate grain samples.
- To provide standardized instructions for official control frameworks.
- To compare procedures based on mycotoxin distribution variability, workload, and time.
Main Methods:
- Four 10 kg aggregate maize grain samples were used, following Regulation (EU) 2023/2782.
- Analytical variability of aflatoxin (B1, B2) and fumonisin (B1, B2) was measured.
- Homogeneity was assessed using the relative standard deviation of repeatability (RSDr).
Main Results:
- Contamination levels and homogeneity varied across procedures.
- The relative standard deviation of repeatability (RSDr) was used as an acceptability criterion.
- Procedures were compared based on their ability to reduce mycotoxin variability.
Conclusions:
- Fine grinding (particle size <0.5 mm) significantly improved sample homogeneity.
- Aqueous slurry preparation also yielded highly homogeneous samples.
- These methods are recommended for reliable mycotoxin analysis in official controls.
