Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain moulds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium) on crops, either in the field or during storage. Because they occur naturally and depend on weather and storage conditions, they can only be controlled by testing, and EU law sets maximum levels for food and feed.
What we test
We determine total aflatoxins in cereals and agricultural raw materials, ochratoxin A in cereals, cocoa, roasted coffee, spices and feed, and aflatoxin M1 in milk, milk powder and cheese. We also offer testing for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and patulin. The accredited methods for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are immunoenzymatic (ELISA), well suited to routine intake control and large sample volumes.
Mycotoxins are distributed very unevenly within a lot, especially in granular products (cereals, nuts, spices). A result is only representative if the sample has been taken and homogenised correctly, which is why the sampling plan matters as much as the analytical method.
Regulatory framework
- Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food
- Directive 2002/32/EC on undesirable substances in animal feed
- Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 – general principles of food law
How we work
We can advise on sampling and the sample quantity needed for your product and lot size. The sample is homogenised in the laboratory before analysis. Results are issued in a test report; accredited tests are marked as such and are listed in the RENAR annex to accreditation certificate LI 871.
Parameters and determinations
Mycotoxins
- Total aflatoxins RENAR accredited
- Aflatoxin M1 RENAR accredited
- Ochratoxin A RENAR accredited
- Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) authorised, not accredited
- Zearalenone authorised, not accredited
- T-2 and HT-2 toxins authorised, not accredited
- Patulin authorised, not accredited
Matrices
- Cereals and cereal products
- Agricultural raw materials
- Milk, milk powder and cheese
- Cocoa, roasted coffee
- Spices
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Feed
"RENAR accredited" links to the matching row of the accredited-tests table below (RENAR annex no. 1/24.04.2026); "authorised, not accredited" means authorised by ANSVSA (authorisation no. 95/24.09.2025) but outside the accreditation; "subcontracted" means performed by a partner laboratory. An analysis with two labels is accredited only for the matrices and methods in the table. "Not accredited" (non-food products, which need no authorisation) means performed in the ICA laboratory or by a partner laboratory, outside the accreditation.
This list is not exhaustive and not all determinations are accredited. For anything not listed here, please contact our sales team.