2006, Volume X, Issue 2News From International AgenciesThe European Union’s newly harmonized Fusarium regulations went into effect on July 1, 2006 (see also Mycotoxicology Newsletter, 2005, vol. IX, issue 2). Fusarium fungi are a significant source of mycotoxin contamination in cereals, including corn (maize). The updated regulations stipulate the following limits for wheat and wheat products: 500 μg/kg of deoxynivalenol (DON) and 50 μg/kg of zearalenone (ZEA) in finished products such as bread and breakfast cereals. The maximum legal limits for wheat flour are 750 μg/kg of DON and 75 μg/kg of ZEA; unprocessed wheat (wheat that has been sorted and cleaned but with the bran coat left fully intact) may contain up to 1,250 μg/kg of DON and 100 μg/kg of ZEA.The proposed Fusarium limits for corn will take effect in July 2007. To further promote industry awareness, several organizations in different countries initiated programs to educate farmers and other food industry professionals on ways to minimize the risk of Fusarium exposure. In the United Kingdom, the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have recently released the results of a five-year study by the Centre for Rural Innovation at Harper Adams University College on managing the risk of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in wheat. Both organizations have published information on their websites about the role of factors such as weather and crop rotation in exposure management. According to the study, the highest risk of toxic mold contamination occurs when certain varieties of wheat are planted on land previously used for corn cultivation. Reduced tillage and high plant stress further increase the chance of infection. The FSA advises farmers whose grains exhibit the pinkish hue indicative of Fusarium infection to immediately consult a professional agronomist and begin mycotoxin testing. Other recommended control measures include treatment of plants with triazole fungicides at T3 (early to mid-flowering), deep plowing, and selection of Fusarium-resistant cultivars. More information is available at the following website: http://www.cfri.co.uk/file_uploads/edwards_s_mycotoxins.pdf |