EU guidance values for key mycotoxins in animal feeds

By Marie Gallissot, Global Manager Feed Quality Solutions, EW Nutrition

EU guidance values for key mycotoxins in animal feeds

After years of discussions, and the publication by EFSA of several scientific opinions in the past 10 years, the new EC recommendation on the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 and HT-2 toxins (T-2/HT-2) and fumonisins (FB1+2) in feed is out!
EW Nutrition dissected the new recommendation – see below the summary of the key points.

2006 : first recommendation of mycotoxin levels in raw materials and feed destined to animal feed is published (2006/576/EC).
• Toxicity for animals is recognized, risk for humans (consuming animal products) is considered marginal
• T-2/HT-2 not considered, by lack of data and reliable analytical method. The EC is amended in 2013 (2013/637/EU) to provide guidance value for cat feed (considered most at risk)
• The need for more analysis (occurrence data), especially simultaneous analysis (for co-occurrence estimation) is stressed
• Values for cereals and their products are set as upper values, considering most tolerant species, and should be used carefully.

2026: 20 years of research have enriched the knowledge and risk understanding, so now much more complete recommendations are out.
• Switch from considering “toxic effects” to “animal health” > better consideration for sub-clinical toxicity
• Risk for humans no longer considered marginal
• Need for continuous monitoring still up to date
• New EFSA opinions fed the European commission for this new recommendation (mainly from 2017 to 2023, depending on the mycotoxin)
• Very new: the EC acknowledges the use of mitigation measures when the guidance values cannot be respected!
• Recommendation coming into effect July 1, 2027 (October 1, 2027 for some raw materials).
• Many more categories included: recommendations for aqua species, equines, rabbits; inclusion of soybean and oilseed feedstuffs, forages…

TABLES ART ALL New EFSA Feed Guidance

How can EW Nutrition help you?

  • We provide EU-approved proven mitigation strategies to secure your feed and animal performance, in a profitable way. Contact us to find the adequate solution for your situation.
  • With our team of experts, we support you in measuring, understanding and managing mycotoxin risk, for sustainable operations and production.