Survey of mycotoxins in cereal-based foods

[safefood]

The Food Standards Agency has published the results of a survey investigating the levels of certain naturally-occurring chemicals called mycotoxins in a range of cereals and-cereal based foods. This is the first year's results from a four-year rolling surveillance programme.
The survey found that 97% of samples were below the legal limits for mycotoxins. Only 7 of the 220 samples analysed contained levels of mycotoxins above the legal limits. The Agency took immediate action to ensure any non-compliant products were withdrawn from the market.
The science behind the story
Mycotoxins are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by certain fungi. Some of these mycotoxins have been associated with a variety of human health problems and are therefore regulated within the European Union to minimise people’s exposure. Mycotoxins can occur in a wide range of foods, including cereals, nuts, spices, fruit, coffee, milk and alcoholic beverages.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2010/nov/mycotoxinsurvey