Mycotoxins reference materials

Josephs RD, Krska R, MacDonald S, Wilson P, Pettersson H (2003) Preparation of a calibrant as certified reference material for determination of thc fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone. J AOAC Int 86 50-60... 

Among the elements of quality control in mycotoxin analysis, proficiency tests, control materials (reference materials and certified reference materials), traceability in spiking, and recovery checks have been demonstrated to be particularly relevant. 

Analyzing control materials alongside the test samples greatly improves proficiency in mycotoxin analysis. Certified reference materials (CRMs) represent ideal control materials, due to their statement of uncertainty and traceability, and they should be routinely used as much as possible. Unfortunately, as outstanding as the improvements made in the last decade have been, even though the list of CRMs in the area of mycotoxins is rather long, it is still insufficient. A list of the available reference materials in the mycotoxins area is reported in Table 1 the issue has been reviewed by Boenke (27). 

Table 1 Mycotoxin Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)—Grains (/xg/kg) CRM 262 CRM 263 CRM 264...

A Boenke. The food and feed chains—a possible strategy for the production of certified reference materials (CRMs) in the area of mycotoxins Food Chem 60 255-262, 1997. 

The development and improvement of analytical methodologies for mycotoxins has been greatly improved by the increased availability of matrix matched certified reference materials (CRMs) (Boenke, 1995) (Table 11.6). The type of matrix CRMs and concentration of the specified mycotoxin are based on the natural occurrence pattern of the toxin in specific foods and feeds. The recent availability of suitable CRMs, while being a prerequisite for the implementation of regulations and standards, will also be invaluable in many ways for the validation of new methods, solving trade disputes and for harmonising proficiency schemes. 

The criteria for the choice of the CRM are not different from the criteria to select the material for the preparation of a laboratory reference material for method development, statistical control charts etc. The difference lies in the availability of adequate CRMs from reliable suppliers and the level of compromise which the analyst must make between an ideal situation and the reality of what is on offer. Massart and co-workers have proposed a principle component analysis to help select the best adapted CRMs available on the market to verify AAS analysis of foodstuffs [10], Their approach took into account the analytes as well as the matrix composition. Besides the fact that they highlighted a lack of sorts of CRM, in particular those having a fatty matrix, they demonstrated that such a statistical approach can help in the most appropriate selection of materials. Boenke also proposed a systematic approach for the choice of materials to be certified for mycotoxins [11] and which could be followed by potential users. The selection of the CRM by the analyst should include a certain number of parameters this can cover the following properties to fulfil the intended purpose level of concentration of the analytes ... 

In order to establish SIDAs as official reference methods, standard operation protocols have to be developed. In particular, the highly variable mass spec-trometric settings depending on the respective instruments retarded collaborative trials. However, in the area of mycotoxins, isotope dilution assays have been elaborated as reference methods and point to a way to implement SIDAs as official methods also in folate analysis (Rychlik and Asam 2008). This could lead to the establishment of reference materials with certified values obtained by SIDA. Lability of folates is still a roadblock but will be essential for quality assurance in accredited laboratories. 

Van Egmond H.P. Mycotoxins regulations, quality assurance and reference materials. Food Additives and Contaminants, 12 321-330 (1995). 

Mycotoxins. The condition produced by the consumption of moldy foods containing toxic material is referred to as mycotoxicosis. Molds and fungi fall iato this category and several derive thek toxicity from the production of oxaflc acid, although the majority of mycotoxias are much more complex. 

Radiating (nuclear) weapons produce energy in the form of an explosive blast, in addition to gamma rays and neutrons that destroy unprotected tissue, particularly DNA. (Thus, mustard agents and T2 mycotoxin, because of their similar effects, are sometimes referred to as radiomimetic. ) Enhanced radiation warheads, or neutron bombs, minimize the destruction of materials while maximizing lethalities among enemy personnel. 

Mycotoxins may occur in food, either by their direct production as a result of fungi growing on the food, or the raw materials used in its manufacture, or indirectly by being passed along a food chain. The e.xcretion of aflatoxin M in the milk of cows fed on a feed contaminated with aflatoxin is an example of the latter situation. Illnesses resulting from direct contamination have been referred to as primary mycotoxicoses and those from indirect contamination as secondary mycotoxicoses. 

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