Introduction: The Rising Challenge of Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins—harmful secondary metabolites produced by molds—pose a significant threat to global agriculture, animal health, and food safety. The latest dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey (2024) presents a comprehensive analysis of mycotoxin contamination across diverse regions, highlighting growing concerns for feed producers, farmers, and livestock businesses.
With over 28,388 samples analyzed across 95 countries—resulting in 135,937 individual mycotoxin tests—this report identifies the global prevalence, risk trends, and co-contamination issues impacting major agricultural commodities.
Key Findings: Mycotoxin Prevalence in 2024
The survey focused on six major mycotoxins:
- Aflatoxins (Afla)
- Zearalenone (ZEN)
- Deoxynivalenol (DON)
- T-2 toxin (T2)
- Fumonisins (FUM)
- Ochratoxin A (OTA)
Global Mycotoxin Contamination Levels
The global analysis reveals a high prevalence of mycotoxin contamination, with most samples containing multiple toxins:
| Mycotoxin | Global Contamination Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Aflatoxins (Afla) | 29% |
| Zearalenone (ZEN) | 60% |
| Deoxynivalenol (DON) | 63% |
| T-2 toxin (T2) | 23% |
| Fumonisins (FUM) | 61% |
| Ochratoxin A (OTA) | 17% |
🔴 70% of samples were found to have multiple mycotoxins, raising concerns over the synergistic toxic effects that can compound risks for livestock.
Mycotoxin contamination varies based on climate conditions, agricultural practices, and commodity types. Here’s a regional risk assessment based on contamination levels:
🔹 Asia (China, India, South Asia) – Highest Risk
- China/Taiwan recorded the highest global mycotoxin risk (90%), with extreme DON (80%) and FUM (91%) contamination.
- South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) showed an 85% total risk, with Aflatoxins (76%) and OTA (64%) being particularly dominant.
- These findings indicate high risks for grain-based feeds, including corn and wheat, which are heavily used in poultry and dairy farming.
🔹 The Americas – Widespread but Variable Risk
- North America saw 76% of samples contaminated, with DON (72%) and ZEN (74%) being the most frequent toxins.
- Central America had an 80% total risk, with ZEN (83%) and Afla (29%) as primary concerns.
- South America continues to battle FUM and DON contamination in corn-based feeds, a critical issue for livestock feed industries.
🔹 Europe – Differing Risks by Region
- Central Europe reported a 58% risk, with DON (76%) as the leading contaminant.
- Southern Europe had a 65% risk, driven by ZEN (69%) contamination.
- Eastern Europe faced mixed contamination levels, with DON and OTA being prominent threats to feed quality.
🔹 Africa – The Threat of Aflatoxins
- Aflatoxins (Afla) remain a major concern in African nations, particularly in humid regions where mold growth thrives in stored grains.
- OTA and ZEN contamination were also detected in several samples.
Commodity-Specific Mycotoxin Contamination
Different commodities exhibited varying levels of mycotoxin risk in 2024:
| Commodity | Major Mycotoxins Detected | Contamination Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Corn Kernels | DON (76%), FUM (77%), ZEN (59%) | High |
| Wheat Grains | DON (61%), ZEN (31%) | Moderate |
| Finished Feed | DON (75%), ZEN (74%), FUM (64%) | High |
| Soybean Meal | DON (42%), ZEN (27%) | Moderate |
| Barley & Oats | DON (53%), ZEN (40%) | Moderate |
🔍 Corn and finished feed are at the highest risk, requiring strict monitoring and intervention to prevent mycotoxin-related animal health issues.
Trends and Emerging Concerns
📈 Rising Mycotoxin Prevalence: 2023 vs. 2024
A year-over-year analysis shows an increase in mycotoxin prevalence across the board:
- Aflatoxins rose from 24% (2023) to 29% (2024).
- DON prevalence jumped from 56% (2023) to 63% (2024).
- ZEN contamination surged from 54% (2023) to 60% (2024).
🔴 Climate change, improper storage, and increased humidity are key factors driving the rise in mycotoxin contamination.
⚠️ The Hidden Danger: Mycotoxin Co-Contamination
One of the biggest challenges in mycotoxin management is the synergistic effects of multiple toxins present in the same feed sample. 70% of tested samples contained two or more toxins, which can:
- Exacerbate toxic effects on animals (e.g., liver damage, immune suppression).
- Reduce growth rates and productivity in poultry, cattle, and swine.
- Complicate mitigation strategies, requiring multi-pronged detoxification approaches.
Mitigation Strategies: How to Combat Mycotoxin Risks?
Given the severity of mycotoxin contamination in 2024, stakeholders in the feed and livestock industries must take proactive steps to minimize risks.
1️⃣ Regular Monitoring & Testing
- Implement routine mycotoxin screening for raw materials and finished feeds.
- Use rapid test kits and laboratory analysis to detect contamination levels accurately.
2️⃣ Mycotoxin Binders & Deactivators
- Incorporate binders and detoxifiers in feed formulations to neutralize toxins.
- Utilize enzymatic deactivation technologies to break down harmful mycotoxins.
3️⃣ Improved Storage & Handling
- Store grains and feed in dry, aerated conditions to prevent mold growth.
- Apply proper harvesting techniques to minimize fungal contamination.
4️⃣ Awareness & Knowledge Sharing
- Educate farmers and feed producers about emerging mycotoxin risks.
- Promote collaborative industry efforts to enhance food and feed safety.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Mycotoxin Management
The dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey 2024 provides a critical wake-up call for the global feed and agriculture industries. With rising contamination levels and increasing co-toxicity risks, effective monitoring, mitigation, and strategic intervention are essential.
As climate change continues to impact agricultural ecosystems, stakeholders must stay ahead with innovative mycotoxin management solutions to ensure safer food and feed production worldwide.
🔎 Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay proactive.
📢 What steps is your business taking to combat mycotoxin risks? Share your insights in the comments!