Mycotoxin Testing

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi growing on grain, feed or food in the field or in storage.

Mycotoxins are aided by hot and dry conditions. The most common mycotoxins are aflatoxin which is a potent liver toxin and deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin). They are detrimental to the health of animals and humans. Mycotoxins do not break down during ethanol production.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) sets the maximum level of mycotoxin that is allowed in feed and human food.

SGS tests for most mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, vomitoxin and fumonisin. Approximately 2,000 seeds are needed to run the test. Samples are ground and a 50 gram sub-sample is taken.