Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi that contaminate commodities before, during, or after harvest and can have toxic effects in humans and animals.
They are classed as secondary metabolites because they are not considered essential for the ?primary? purpose of growth and reproduction in fungi. Nevertheless, secondary metabolites have important roles, such as helping the fungus to invade plant tissue and as defence against insect predators or competing fungi.
Of a vast range of secondary metabolites produced by fungi, only some are regarded as mycotoxins, and these can affect an array of food and feed, especially cereals, forages, grain, fruits, herbs, spices, nuts and manufactured products.
Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1)
Ochratoxin A
Patulin and fusarium moulds, including fumonisins (B1, B2 and B3)
Trichothecenes (principally nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxin)
Zearalenone
Ergot alkaloids, citrinin, sterigmatocystin and alternaria toxins
As mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects in humans including, kidney and liver damage, gastrointestinal disturbances, reproductive disorders or suppression of the immune system,
It is highly recommended that testing for mycotoxin contamination is carried out in a laboratory which holds ISO17025 accreditation in this specific area.
Minerva Scientific Limited holds such accreditation for a wide range of mycotoxins through UKAS, carrying out testing using high technology equipment and highly trained, experienced staff.
If you require further information on how we can help you with your mycotoxin testing requirements please visit our website www.minervascientific.co.uk or contact us by mail admin@minervascientic.co.uk
Tentamus Group GmbH was founded in 2011. Tentamus is a global product and safety group with a core presence in Europe, UK, Israel, China, Japan, India and the USA. Accredited and licensed Tentamus Group tests, audits and consults on all products involving the human body (food & feed, pharmaceuticals & medical, agrosciences, cosmetics, agriculture & environment and nutraceutical & supplements). Tentamus Group is represented in over 65 locations worldwide. More than 2,500 highly-trained staff members work in over 2.5 million square feet of laboratory and office spaces. For further information please visit www.tentamus.com.
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www.tentamus.com