UK - HGCA has released new guidelines on mycotoxins

HGCA has published new guidelines to minimise the risk of mycotoxins in cereals. “The guidelines are designed to help growers identity the risk factors and the appropriate agronomy which can minimise risk of mycotoxins from field infections,” said Dr Roger Williams, HGCA’s assistant research director. In July 2006 new legal limits were introduced for mycotoxins produced by various Fusarium species, which can cause ear blight. The legal limits apply to grain intended for human consumption but guidance values have been set for some feed grains as well. “A down to earth risk assessment is included in the new guidelines, which will help growers identify when testing for mycotoxins may be appropriate, without incurring needless costs,” said Dr Williams. “This takes account of the main risk factors including previous cropping, cultivations, region, weather and variety.” The guidelines include information on sampling grain and choosing the most appropriate mycotoxin testing method. They also summarise the incidence of fusarium mycotoxins in UK cereals over recent years, showing that UK crops are generally well below the legal limits. The epidemiology of the Fusarium species is explained and the guidelines provide a 'one stop shop' for all the latest information about fusarium mycotoxins in UK cereals. They are based on research carried out since 2001, some of it co-funded with the Food Standards Agency, and have been written with contributions from across the grain chain. The guidelines will be required reading for the Assured Combinable Crops Scheme, which will also request growers to work through the risk assessment. The publication is free to all HGCA levy payers and will be sent directly to growers on the HGCA mailing list in early June.