Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds that can grow on grains like wheat, corn, and barley during cultivation, harvest, or storage. These toxins pose serious risks to both human and animal health, including carcinogenic and reproductive effects. For the food industry, especially those working with grains, rigorous testing for these contaminants is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of your products.
At GPAL, we provide advanced mycotoxin testing for grains, helping food manufacturers, producers, and suppliers detect harmful contaminants and maintain compliance with safety regulations.
Common Mycotoxins Tested in Grains
Here’s an overview of the most common mycotoxins we test for, along with their primary sources and potential health effects:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON) / Vomitoxin: Found in wheat, corn, and barley, DON is toxic to humans and animals, especially pigs. Ingestion can lead to human toxicoses and severe health issues in livestock.
- Zearalenone: Primarily found in corn and wheat, zearalenone is a mycotoxin that affects the reproductive system in animals, especially female pigs. It is also identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen.
- Ochratoxin A: Found in barley, wheat, and many other commodities, ochratoxin A is suspected by the IARC to be a human carcinogen and has shown carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals and pigs.
- Fumonisin: Typically found in corn, fumonisin is toxic to pigs and poultry and is also suspected by the IARC to be a human carcinogen. It is a known cause of equine eucoencephalomalacia (ELEM), a fatal disease in horses.
- Aflatoxin: Found in corn, barley, wheat, peanuts, and other commodities, aflatoxins are some of the most potent carcinogens. Aflatoxin B1, in particular, has been identified as a human carcinogen by the IARC. Ingestion can lead to adverse effects in various animals, particularly chickens.
Our Molds and Toxins Testing Services
At GPAL, we use advanced techniques to detect mycotoxins and other contaminants with precision and accuracy. We offer the following testing services:
- Aflatoxins Testing: Aflatoxins are dangerous mycotoxins found in grains like wheat and corn. Our testing ensures that your products are free from harmful levels of aflatoxins.
- Ochratoxin Testing: Ochratoxin A is commonly found in grains such as wheat and barley. We provide testing services to detect and quantify ochratoxin levels in your products.
- Vomitoxin (DON) Testing: Vomitoxin is a toxic mycotoxin frequently found in wheat, corn, and barley. We test for vomitoxin in wheat flour and other grain samples to ensure product safety.
- Zearalenone Testing: This mycotoxin, primarily found in wheat and corn, can have significant effects on animal health. Our zearalenone testing ensures your grain products meet regulatory standards.
In addition to mycotoxin testing, we also test for other harmful contaminants:
- Mycotoxins in Honey: We offer testing for mycotoxin contamination in honey, ensuring it meets food safety standards.
- Acrylamide in Foods and Drinks: Acrylamide forms during high-temperature cooking and is classified as a potential carcinogen. We test food and beverage products to ensure they are free from dangerous acrylamide levels.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) Testing: BPA, found in plastics and food packaging, can pose health risks, especially in baby food products and toys. We offer BPA testing to ensure the safety of your products.
- Citrinin in Foods and Dietary Supplements: Citrinin is a mycotoxin found in grains and fermented products. Our testing ensures citrinin levels in your foods and supplements are within safe limits.
- Methylimidazole Testing (2- and 4-): Found in certain beverages, especially imported drinks, methylimidazole can pose health risks. We provide testing for this contaminant to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Why Choose GPAL for Mycotoxin and Contaminant Testing?
GPAL is trusted across the USA as the leading cereal chemistry lab for mycotoxin testing in grains. Our comprehensive testing services ensure that your food and supplement products are free from harmful molds, toxins, and contaminants. Here’s why GPAL stands out:
- Expertise in Grain Testing: As the go-to lab for cereal chemistry, we specialize in mycotoxin detection in grains like wheat, corn, and barley, ensuring your products meet safety standards.
- Advanced Testing Methods: We use cutting-edge techniques like HPLC and ELISA kits for accurate detection of mycotoxins and other contaminants.
- Fast Turnaround Times: We understand the urgency of food safety, which is why we provide fast and reliable testing results to keep your production on track.
- Comprehensive Contaminant Testing: In addition to mycotoxins, we test for a wide range of toxins including acrylamide, bisphenol A, citrinin, and more.
Contact Us
Ensure the safety and compliance of your grain, food, and supplement products with GPAL’s comprehensive molds and toxins testing services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your testing needs and help you maintain the highest standards of product safety and quality.
