Since the discovery of the aflatoxins in the 1960s, mycotoxin regulations have been established in many countries, both to protect the consumer from the harmful effects of these toxins that may contaminate foodstuffs and to ensure fair practices in food trade. This publication updates developments in worldwide mycotoxin regulation as of December 2003, based on an international enquiry carried out in 2002/2003.

Mycotoxins are produced worldwide by several fungi on a wide range of agricultural commodities and are closely related to human and animal food chains. Examining mycotoxins and their impact from a public health viewpoint, this book provides an overview and introduction to the subject and examines the health, trade and legislation issues involved. Management of mycotoxins is discussed in detail as well as the global problems caused by mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi, pose a significant contamination risk in both animal feed and foods for human consumption. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Mycotoxins in food summarises the wealth of recent research on how to assess the risks from mycotoxins, detect particular mycotoxins and control them at differing stages in the supply chain. Part one addresses risk assessment techniques, sampling methods, modelling and detection techniques used to measure the risk of mycotoxin contamination and the current regulations governing mycotoxin limits in food. Part two looks at how the risk of contamination may be controlled, with chapters on the use of HACCP systems and mycotoxin control at different stages in the supply chain. Two case studies demonstrate how these controls work for particular products. The final section details particular mycotoxins, from ochratoxin A and patulin to zearalenone and fumonisins. Mycotoxins in food is a standard reference for all those concerned with ensuring the safety of food. Discusses the wealth of recent research in this important area Covers risk assessment, detection of particular mycotoxins and how to control them throughout the supply chain Describes how the risk of contamination can be controlled, including the use of HACCP systems

The role of animal feed in the production of safe food is recognised worldwide, and several events have underlined its impact on public health, feed and food trade, and food security. The Expert Meeting was convened to review current knowledge on animal feed and its impact on food safety, and provide orientation and advice on this matter to international organisations. This is the report of the meeting, with the experts' conclusions and recommendations.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in a wide range of foods (cereals, peanut, tree nuts, dried fruits, coffee, cocoa, grapes, spices...) both in the field and after harvest, particularly during storage. They can also be found in processed foods of plant origin, or by transfer, in food products of animal (milk, eggs, meat and offal). Mycotoxins are of major concern since they can cause acute or chronic intoxications in both humans and animals which are sometimes fatal. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have set maximum acceptable levels for mycotoxins in food and feed. The book reviews the latest literature and innovations on important aspects of mycotoxins, e.g. mycotoxin producing fungi and the related ecosystems, mycotoxin occurrence, toxicity, analysis and management. Quantitative estimations of impacts of climate change on mycotoxin occurrence have been made recently, using predictive modelling. There is also a growing interest in the occurrence and toxicity of multiple mycotoxins in food and feed, including emerging or modified forms of mycotoxins. Innovative tools were also developed to detect and quantify toxinogenic fungi and their toxins. In order to reduce the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and health of consumers, alternative methods of prevention and decontamination of mycotoxins were tested in pre- and post-harvest, using microorganisms, natural substances or radiation treatments.