Sampling and analysis of mycotoxins and plant toxins in foodstuffs

New EU Regulations come into force on 1 April 2024

Feb 2024 (update). From 1 April 2024, two new EU regulation will apply. The new Regulation (EU) 2023/2782 on the sampling and analysis of mycotoxins in food will replace Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006. The additional Regulation (EU) 2023/2783 is to define criteria for the sampling and analysis of plant toxins. A transitional period until 1 January 2029 is planned for the adaptation of analytical methods for mycotoxins and until 1 July 2028 for plant toxins.

Both regulations initially relate to official controls and other official activities. However, when they were adopted, explicit reference was made to the importance of appropriate criteria for sampling and analysis for the control of mycotoxins and plant toxins for industrial self-monitoring. A corresponding regulation based on Article 4(4) of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 is to be submitted in the near future (Committee meeting, CMTD(2023)28)

Basics of the new regulations

Mycotoxins and plant toxins can occur very inhomogeneously distributed in food. Therefore, representative sampling and suitable homogenisation procedures prior to analysis are of crucial importance for assessing the contamination of food with mycotoxins and plant toxins.

We have summarised the most important changes for mycotoxins and plant toxins from the regulations for you.

Key changes for mycotoxins

Following entry into force, there will be sampling requirements for 14 food categories:
- Cereals and oilseeds
- Dried fruit and derived/processed products
- Dried figs and derived/processed products
- Peanuts, apricot kernels, tree nuts, and dried spices with large particle size and derived/processed products
- Dried spices and powdered spices
- Milk and milk products, infant formula, follow-on formula, foods for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children, and young child formula
- Baby foods and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children
- Vegetable oils
- Coffee, coffee products, liquorice, liquorice products, and new: cocoa and cocoa products
- New: Beverages (so far only fruit juices, cider and wine)
- New: Solid processed fruits and vegetables (previously only apples)
- New: Food supplements (previously only those based on red rice) and pollen (products)
- New: Dried herbs, herbal infusions, and tea

All other foods are assigned to the best possible group according to their particle size and composition.

All sampling requirements will apply to all mycotoxins tested in a food category, including those for which no maximum levels have yet been set.
The required performance criteria for the analysis of mycotoxins will be modified. The regulation grants a transitional period for implementation until 1 January 2029. For methods validated before the new regulation comes into force, the requirements of Regulation (EU) No. 401/2006 will continue to apply during this transitional period

Key changes for plant toxins

The requirements for the sampling of plant toxins correspond to those for the sampling of mycotoxins, thus the provisions for the above mentioned 14 food categories also apply to plant toxins.
The requirements apply to all plant toxins tested in a food category, with the exception of the sampling of potato (products) for the analysis of glycoalkaloids and the sampling of honey for the analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. For these exceptions, the provisions of part B of the annex to Regulation (EC) No. 333/2007.
Performance criteria for the analysis of plant toxins are laid down. The regulation grants a transitional period for implementation until 1 July 2028. Methods validated before the new regulation came into force, can be used during this transitional period.
The new Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) 2015/705 for sampling and performance criteria for erucic acid.

Analysis of mycotoxins and plant toxins at Eurofins

The experts at the Competence Centre for Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins of the Eurofins Laboratory Network for Food and Feed Analysis in Germany have many years of experience in the sample preparation, analysis, evaluation and assessment of a wide range of mycotoxins and plant toxins in food and feed.

The homogenisation of large sample quantities (up to several 10 kg) mentioned in the regulations has been part of our expertise for many years, as have matrix-specific requirements, e.g. for wet or dry homogenisation. In particular, methods for the homogenisation of larger sample quantities for the analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, as now required, have already been implemented. Sampling services in the country of origin complement the comprehensive services of the Eurofins Laboratories for Food and Feed Testing in Germany.

The analytical methods of the Eurofins Competence Centre for Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins comply with the criteria laid down in Regulation (EU) No. 401/2006 or are based on guideline values for plant toxins from corresponding expert groups. As a result, they already largely fulfill the analytical method requirements set by the new EU regulations. All changes are currently being reviewed and, if necessary, adapted in a timely manner.

In addition to all mycotoxins and plant toxins covered by Regulation (EU) 2023/915, our portfolio includes many other mycotoxins and plant toxins, such as Alternaria toxins, beauvericin, enniatins and derivatives of deoxynivalenol as well as quinolizidine alkaloids.

Questions on analysing mycotoxins and plant toxins

Do you have questions about the analysis of mycotoxins and plant toxins? Contact your personal account manager or get in touch with our expert Carina Kellner.