MYCOTOXIN CALIBRANTS

Objective

Mycotoxins are the general class of toxic compounds produced by fungi and occur widely in food and other agricultural products.

Reliable determination of these compounds depends upon the availability of calibrants of proven identity and certified composition. Although for many of the more important compounds, suitable calibrants are available there are a number which present difficulties.

The objective is to provide calibrant solutions of those mycotoxins for which there is a broad European need and which are not available at an acceptable level of reliability elsewhere. The work will focus on aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin-A and fumonisin FB1 and FB2.

STATUS

Initial stability studies have been successfully completed for the ochratoxin-A solution. The preparation of a batch of ampouled fumonisin solutions is in progress. The preparation of a batch of aflatoxin M1 in chloroform is finished by the RIVM Bilthoven NL. Certification of the aflatoxin M1 solution involving 5 laboratories will be started in 1992.

Programme(s)

• FP2-BCR 4 - Research and development programme (EEC) in the field of applied metrology and chemical analysis (Community Bureau of Reference - BCR), 1988-1992

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiene

Address

3720 BA Bilthoven
Netherlands