DON (Vomitoxin)
Monitoring deoxynivalenol (DON) is vital because this trichothecene mycotoxin, also known as vomitoxin, is produced by Fusarium fungi and commonly contaminates cereal crops such as wheat, corn, barley, oats, and rye. These fungi thrive in temperate climates and can infect crops both in the field and during storage, making DON one of the most widespread mycotoxins in global grain production. Due to its strong cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties, DON poses significant health concerns for both humans and animals.
A wide range of trichothecenes has been identified, with DON, 3-acetyl-DON, and 15-acetyl-DON being the most prevalent in Europe and North America. Their presence is frequently detected in wheat, corn, and rice, often at concentrations in the parts-per-million range. DON is particularly problematic because it is extremely stable, persisting throughout storage, milling, processing, and cooking. Once present, it is difficult to eliminate, allowing contaminated grains to enter the food and feed chain.
Exposure to DON can lead to a variety of negative health effects. In animals, consumption of contaminated feed has been linked to feed refusal, vomiting, diarrhea, immune suppression, and reduced growth, all of which can significantly impact animal welfare and agricultural productivity. In humans, DON poisoning may cause abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even blood in stools. These symptoms highlight the importance of early detection and prevention across all stages of production.
Regulatory bodies have established limits to safeguard consumers and livestock. The U.S. FDA, for example, sets an advisory level of 1 ppm for finished wheat products intended for human consumption and 5 ppm for grain and grain by-products used in swine feed and other animal diets. Regular monitoring of food and feed products is therefore essential to ensure compliance with these guidelines and to prevent unsafe products from reaching the market.
Monitoring DON offers several key benefits. It protects consumers by identifying contaminated grains before they enter the human food supply. It safeguards animal health by preventing exposure to toxic feed, supporting better growth performance and welfare. It also helps producers meet regulatory requirements and maintain consistent product quality. With the support of advanced analytical methods, manufacturers can reliably detect DON across a wide range of plant-based materials, ensuring high accuracy and confidence in their safety controls.
Overall, comprehensive monitoring of deoxynivalenol is crucial for maintaining safe food and feed systems. By implementing reliable detection methods and strong quality control programs, manufacturers can effectively manage DON contamination, uphold regulatory standards, and build trust with consumers and producers alike.
Product Portfolio
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R5906 | RIDASCREEN® DON | Microtitre Plate with 96 Wells (12 Strips with 8 Wells Each) | |
| R5905 | RIDASCREEN®FAST DON SC | Microtitre Plate with 48 Wells (6 Strips with 8 Wells Each) | |
| R5901 / R5902 | RIDASCREEN®FAST DON | R5901 : Microtitre Plate with 96 Wells (12 Strips with 8 Wells Each) R5902 : Microtitre Plate with 48 Wells (6 Strips with 8 Wells Each) |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R5911 | RIDA®QUICK DON RQS ECO | 20 x Test Strips |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC-QP2100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-Ergot Alkaloid MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| TC-QP1000-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-Mycotoxin | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| TC-QP1100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-tox MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| RBRP73 / RBRP73B | DZT MS-PREP® | RBRP73 : 10 Immunoaffinity Columns (1mL Format) RBRP73B : 50 Immunoaffinity Columns (1mL Format) | |
| RBRP50 / RBRP50B | DONPREP® | RBRP50 : 10 Columns (3mL Format) RBRP50B : 50 Columns (3mL Format) |
