Mycotoxins and plant toxins can occur naturally in crops and processed foods and present significant toxicological risks when present at elevated levels. Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd, supported by the wider Eurofins laboratory network and the Eurofins competence centre for organic contaminants, Eurofins WEJ Contaminants GmbH, offers accredited, high-sensitivity analysis for mycotoxins and plant toxins along with expert guidance to help you meet regulatory expectations and demonstrate due diligence.
Why test for mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. They can contaminate food and feed crops during growth or storage, especially under warm and humid conditions. Ingestion of mycotoxins can lead to severe health effects in humans and animals, including carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, and reproductive impacts.
With ongoing effects of climate change, mycotoxins are becoming increasingly more prevalent in stored food, particularly cereal grains across a more diverse geographical profile.
Key services
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Mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, T-2/HT-2 toxins, patulin, Alternaria toxins, ergot alkaloids and others
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Plant toxins: pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), tropane alkaloids (TAs), quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs), opium alkaloids and others
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Multi-toxin screening using LC-MS/MS for simultaneous detection
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Matrix-specific methods for cereals, spices, herbs, honey, tea, dried fruits, nuts, pulses, baby food, animal feed and more
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Bulk and lot-based testing for grains, cereals and large consignments
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Robotic sample preparation for high throughput and reproducibility
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Rapid turnaround times and express analysis for urgent investigations when available
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Sampling support and global logistics coordination
Additional services
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Harvest monitoring programmes for early risk detection
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Customised risk assessments and trend analyses
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Extended toxin screening (specialist or emerging toxins on request)
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Training and horizon scanning services
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Consulting on sampling, mitigation strategies and contamination prevention
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Support for product recalls and crisis management
Our expertise
Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd, supported by the wider Eurofins laboratory network and the Eurofins competence centre for organic contaminants, Eurofins WEJ Contaminants GmbH, provides specialist services for the analysis of mycotoxins and plant toxins in food and feed. Our experts have long-term experience in matrix-specific homogenisation, selective extraction and purification, and advanced detection technologies that help ensure accurate identification of trace-level contamination.
Regulatory context EU, NI and GB*
Legal requirements that apply in the European Union (EU) and in Northern Ireland (NI) (under the Windsor Framework), and where applicable GB
Great Britain (GB) only*
These rules apply exclusively in GB and differ from EU or NI requirements
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Retained Regulation (EU) 1881/2006 – remains the legal basis for maximum levels of mycotoxins and other contaminants in the GB market
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Regulation (EU) 2023/915 - does not apply in GB
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Regulation (EU) 2024/1038 (updated T-2/HT-2 levels) – applies in EU/NI only, not adopted in GB so far
Further changes may occur under the assimilated law framework, so UK businesses should monitor GB-specific amendments.
Get in touch
For small batches, order our most routine testing from Eurofins Testing Direct.
To discuss mycotoxin and plant toxin testing or request a quotation, please contact our sales team on 0845 604 6740 or make an enquiry.
*Regulations are subject to change. For the latest updates relevant to your target market, please contact your local Eurofins Food Testing UK ltd. laboratory. Our specialists provide tailored support through our horizon scanning and food safety consultancy services.
