Fumonisins
Monitoring fumonisins is critically important because these mycotoxins—produced primarily by Fusarium moniliforme—are known to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and pneumotoxic. The fungus thrives on corn, making maize and corn-derived products the most common sources of contamination. Due to the widespread use of corn in both human foods and animal feeds, fumonisins pose a significant risk across the entire food chain, necessitating consistent and reliable monitoring.
The toxic effects of fumonisins vary greatly across animal species, making species-specific monitoring essential in the feed industry. Horses are especially sensitive, with neurotoxic effects occurring at fumonisin concentrations as low as 5–10 mg/kg in feed. Pigs are also vulnerable; ingestion of 4–16 mg/kg body weight may lead to liver cirrhosis, and levels above 16 mg/kg can result in fatal pulmonary edema. Chickens, by contrast, can tolerate much higher concentrations—up to 75 mg/kg in feed—while cattle appear relatively insensitive even at elevated levels. These differences highlight the need for tailored safety management depending on the species being fed.
Because fumonisins present such severe health hazards, regulatory agencies strongly emphasize the importance of routine testing. Regular monitoring of corn and corn-based products is essential to ensure that both food and feed comply with established safety guidelines. This prevents contaminated materials from entering the supply chain and helps protect consumers, farmers, and food manufacturers from the consequences of fumonisin exposure.
Monitoring fumonisins delivers several important benefits. It protects human consumers by identifying and quantifying contamination before products reach the market. It safeguards animal health by preventing exposure to contaminated feed, helping maintain productivity and overall welfare. Consistent testing also supports regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of legal penalties, product recalls, or economic loss. From a quality assurance perspective, routine fumonisin monitoring ensures that raw materials and finished goods meet rigorous safety expectations. Advanced analytical methods further strengthen this process by offering accurate and efficient detection across a wide range of corn-based matrices.
Overall, thorough fumonisin monitoring is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of corn and corn-derived products. By using advanced detection technologies and maintaining strong quality control practices, manufacturers can reliably identify and manage fumonisin contamination. This proactive approach supports food safety standards, protects both human and animal health, and helps build lasting consumer confidence in corn-based foods and feeds.
Product Portfolio
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R3411 | RIDASCREEN® Fumonisin ECO | Microtitre Plate with 96 Wells (12 Strips with 8 Wells each) | |
| R5603 | RIDASCREEN®FAST Fumonisin ECO | Microtitre Plate with 48 Wells (6 Strips with 8 Wells each) |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R5606 | RIDA®QUICK Fumonisin 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-QP1100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-tox MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| RBRDP31 / RBRP31B | FUMONIPREP® | RBRDP31 : 10 Columns (3mL Format) RBRP31B : 50 Columns (3mL Format) |
