Multi-mycotoxin detection with AOAC-PTM certified Randox Myco 7 Array

Randox Food Diagnostics is proud to announce that its Myco 7 method has been granted AOAC Performance Tested Methods℠ Certification (License Number 102501). With the prevalence of global mycotoxin co-contamination, Myco 7 AOAC approval marks a significant milestone in mycotoxin detection. To date, Randox Myco 7 Array is the industry’s only AOAC-accredited screening method that can simultaneously detect seven key mycotoxins from a single, undivided sample.

Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium are the three principal mycotoxigenic fungi responsible for producing the majority of regulated mycotoxins worldwide. These toxic metabolites pose a serious threat to food safety, animal health, and the overall well-being of both animals and humans. Each of these fungal genera can produce at least two distinct mycotoxins, resulting in the frequent co-occurrence of multiple toxins in food and, more commonly, in animal feed matrices (Sibanda 2023).

Global need for multi-mycotoxin detection

It has been estimated that roughly 25% of agricultural products worldwide are contaminated. Despite the fact that several individual mycotoxins, such as ochratoxins and fumonisins, are regulated, their concentrations in many cases still exceed established European safety limits (Arce and Hymery 2022).

Worldwide survey data consistently indicate that mycotoxin co-occurrence is the norm rather than the exception (Smith et al. 2016), necessitating comprehensive detection strategies across all stages of the feed and food value chain. Formulating and testing feeds to mitigate multi-mycotoxin risks is crucial for maintaining animal health and optimising performance.

Importance of multi-mycotoxin testing in food and animal feed

Mycotoxin co-contamination occurs either when a single fungal species synthesises multiple mycotoxins simultaneously or when different fungal species produce various mycotoxins within the same substrate. Co-occurrence is also a result of mixing contaminated raw materials, which happens frequently in the case of animal feed.

Species-specific susceptibility further highlights the need for tailored feed management. These include Poultry, which are particularly sensitive to Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 (AFs), T-2/HT-2 Toxins, OTA, and FUM. In contrast, Swine are most affected by AFBs, ZEA, and T-2/HT-2 toxins. However, Cattle show greater susceptibility to DON, AFs, and ZEA. Feed formulations must, therefore, consider the nutritional requirements, digestive physiology, and mycotoxin sensitivity of each animal species.

Dietary multi-mycotoxin exposure has become an increasing concern, not only because of the individual toxic effects, but also due to the synergistic interactions that occur when two or more mycotoxins act together (Akinmoladun et al. 2025). Current regulatory frameworks, as listed in Codex Alimentarius Commission (1995), European Commission (2023), U.S. Food and Drug Administra