Development and optimization of analytical methods for rapid detection of multiple mycotoxins in wheat products and...

Conditions for QuEChERS-based extraction assisted by ultrasonic oscillation and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were established for the rapid and efficient determination of 16 common mycotoxins in wheat samples. The optimal extraction solvent was acetonitrile/water (80/20, v/v) containing 0.3% formic acid, with ultrasonic oscillation for 10 min, followed by analysis within 5 min. Mycotoxin levels were surveyed in wheat grains and flour from both domestic and imported sources, as well as in major commercially available processed wheat-derived products. Deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin were predominant, whereas nivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, HT-2 toxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A were detected only in raw materials. Mycotoxins were present in 94% of raw materials and 67% of processed products; however, all concentrations complied with European Union and Taiwan Food and Drug Administration limits. Since processed products contained low concentrations of deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin, the estimated dietary intake remained below the tolerable threshold, indicating minimal risk.