Mold can spread quickly during crop production and storage. Many species of fungi produce harmful substances called mycotoxins, and detecting and eliminating them is vital for food safety. Where can quality assurance professionals find the best testing kit for mycotoxin detection?

What are Mycotoxins, and Why are They Dangerous?

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring secondary metabolites produced by fungi. They typically grow in warm, humid conditions and affect various crops and foodstuffs, including grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, spices, and coffee beans. 

While researchers have identified approximately 400 mycotoxins,¹ several strains are far more common than others. Aspergillus and Fusarium, some of the most prominent genera of mycotoxigenic fungi, are responsible for aflatoxin, vomitoxin, T-2/HT-2 toxins, fumonisin, and zearalenone. Other common variants include ochratoxin and citrinin. 

There are several common variants, each with a broad spectrum of adverse health effects:

• Aflatoxins: Aflatoxin is mutagenic and carcinogenic, meaning it can cause genetic mutations and cancer. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus molds produce it.
• Vomitoxin: Also known as deoxynivalenol or DON, vomitoxin is commonly found in grains. It primarily comes from Fusarium graminearum. 
• Fumonisin: This group of mycotoxins is produced by Fusarium verticillioides and Proliferatum. It is often found in grains, corn, and corn byproducts and can make animals ill.
• Ochratoxin: The Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi produce this toxin. It is among the most abundant food-contaminating variants and is tied to many serious health risks.
• T-2 and HT-2 toxins: These naturally occurring byproducts of the Fusarium species are found in food and feed. They are among the most notable in terms of toxicity and prevalence. 
• Zearalenone: This substance is produced by various Fusarium and Gibberella species. It is the only known mycotoxin with estrogenic effects,² impacting reproductive health. 
• Citrinin: This nephrotoxic toxin, produced by Aspergillus, Monascus, and Penicillium, is named for the lemon-yellow crystalline substance it forms.

These organic compounds are highly hazardous. Acute or persistent exposure can cause digestive issues, immune system problems, congenital disabilities, or even cancers. Preventing people from consuming them is vital. 

The Importance of Early Detection for Food Safety

These toxins can cause various health issues in humans and livestock, ranging from acute poisoning to cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies aflatoxin as a Class I carcinogen, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation. If consumers were unknowingly exposed, the impact would be far-reaching and damaging. 

Growers, producers, and food manufacturers could be subject to severe financial or legal consequences because the fungi typically develop during crop production or storage. Early detection ensures the amount of mycotoxins is within the parts per billion (ppb) standard that regulators set.

Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Unfortunately, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), mycotoxins contaminate approximately 25 percent of crop products worldwide.³

Minimizing exposure helps food producers avoid product recalls, preserve brand reputation, and prevent costly legal action. Since accidentally exposing consumers could be disastrous, using the most accurate mycotoxin testing kits is essential. 

Mycotoxin Testing Methods for Food and Feed

Feed mills, grain production manufacturers, pet food suppliers, grain inspection agencies, and food and beverage companies must ensure their products meet legal requirements. They can use three common mycotoxin testing methods. 

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The most accurate mycotoxin testing kits use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), an analytical chemistry technique to separate, identify, and quantify compounds dissolved in a liquid chemical mixture. The process enables qualitative and quantitative analyses. 

Lateral Flow Device 

A lateral flow device (LFD) uses test strips to detect the presence of toxins in a liquid sample without the use of expensive specialized equipment or extensive training. It is a straightforward, cost-effective solution. 

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a laboratory technique for detecting multiple common mycotoxins. Users can easily evaluate raw ingredients with an onsite rapid test, shortening the overall time to get a result. 

Seven of the Best Testing Kits for Mycotoxin Detection

The seven industry-leading companies shown in Table 1 produce the best testing kits for mycotoxin detection. They test for the most common and dangerous toxins. Some even offer Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS)-approved test kits verified for performance.

Table 1. Leading Suppliers of Testing Kits for Mycotoxin Detection

Charm Sciences Inc.

Charm Sciences Inc.⁴ is the diagnostic testing supplier of choice because it has a global reach, 85 certifications, 138 patents, and nearly half a century of experience. It has the most accurate mycotoxin testing kits—boasting 100 percent accuracy—even when customized for clients. 

Charm Sciences has developed solutions specifically for food and beverage suppliers. Its products test more than 75 percent of the global raw milk supply. Its mycotoxin product line has multiple FGIS-approved rapid test kits. 

The Rapid One Step Assay (ROSA) mycotoxin line has the best testing kits for mycotoxin detection in the feed and grain sector worldwide. The patented ROSA technology is sensitive, fast, and convenient, generating results in as little as two minutes, depending on the product. 

EnviroLogix Inc.

EnviroLogix Inc.⁵ was established relatively recently. Despite that, it has become a global leader in mycotoxin detection technology. The FGIS and the Association of Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) certify several of its products.

The TotalTox product line checks for multiple toxins at once, making it suitable for a large variety of grains. Users can read the strip and combs simultaneously, enabling them to record the result in seconds. The comprehensive tool suite simplifies analysis, archival, and retrieval. 

The QuickScan system makes gathering and reporting data more straightforward by providing digital imaging and mathematical processing via a standard computer. In addition to onboard analytics, it has quality assurance reminders and enforcement mechanisms. 

Neogen Corp.

Neogen Corp.⁶ was established in 1982. Within three years, it developed the first rapid test for aflatoxin, cementing its role as a major industry player. Since then, it has expanded throughout North America and abroad, with distributors worldwide. 

Reveal^® is a qualitative lateral flow assay. It requires minimal training and specialized equipment, so testers can easily learn how to use it. 

Reveal Q+ MAX for Aflatoxin is AOAC- and FGIS-approved. It uses a water-based extraction method, eliminating the need for hazardous solvents. The quantitative result appears within six minutes, with a detection limit as low as 3 ppb. Users can read, analyze, and store it quickly. 

Reveal Q+ for Aflatoxin EndPoint is similar but has a lower detection limit of 2 ppb. It is designed for room-temperature storage, making it more accessible in various environments. The kit includes strips, dilution cups, sample diluent, and easy-to-understand instructions.

VICAM

VICAM⁷ was founded in 1987 by professionals at Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and various agribusinesses. Its Afla-V AQUAHS Strip Test produces findings in five minutes and detects levels as low as 2 ppb. It works well onsite or in a laboratory. 

FGIS-approved Afla-V AQUA Grain has the same development and detection limit. Its dilution-free extraction method provides a safe alternative to its solvent-based counterpart. A digital screen displays the results, enabling convenient recordkeeping. 

The OchraTest is a good alternative for those testing for ochratoxin A using HPLC. Since it has room-temperature storage requirements and easy-to-understand instructions, it requires no special skills or training. It is highly sensitive, detecting as low as 0.10 ppb in 10 minutes or less. 

Prognosis Biotech

The biotechnology company Prognosis Biotech⁸ has products validated by globally recognized entities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, and the National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Poland.

It has ELISA and LFD solutions. The 1-Standard T-2/HT-2 product is a quantitative, competitive ELISA test. It offers common extraction for all mycotoxins, making it cost-effective and fast. 

The USDA-approved Bio-Shield Fumonisin 5 also offers common extraction. It is a highly sensitive, competitive ELISA test for determining fumonisin in grains, cereals, and animal feed. It produces results within five minutes. 

Romer Labs Inc. 

Romer Labs Inc.⁹ has over 40 years of experience in developing and manufacturing diagnostic solutions for food and feed safety. The solutions are available for onsite or laboratory use. 

The AgraQuant^® and AgraStrip^® solutions are AOAC- and FGIS-approved. The former is a quantitative ELISA test that analyzes up to six mycotoxins per extraction, while the latter is a ready-to-use LFD that displays a result in as little as three minutes. 

Gold Standard Diagnostics

The global network of companies comprising Gold Standard Diagnostics¹⁰ consists of 14 manufacturing and development hubs, 16 major product lines, and 2,500 diagnostic assays. Its mission is to ensure food and feed safety. 

It has various cost-effective, high-throughput ELISA kits. For instance, the B ZERO^® test kits produce findings within 30 minutes. They may not be rapid, but they are highly sensitive. Users can process the data manually or with an automatic analyzer. 

The SENSIStrip LFD kits generate a finding within seven minutes. They adhere to European and U.S. guidelines, simplifying compliance. Staff members can provide onsite or remote training to teach testers how to use these products. 

What Makes These Suppliers’ Testing Kits the Best?

The best testing kit for mycotoxin detection should have four core components: accuracy, turnaround time, ease of use, and safety. AOAC- and FGIS-approved methods are ideal because globally recognized standard bodies validate their performance. Charm Sciences ranks number one in this respect because it has the most extensive list of approved test kits in the industry.

These suppliers balance speed, accuracy, and safety by following strict quality regulations. Many have decades of experience in the industry, enabling them to establish a nationwide or global presence and allowing for fast shipping and response times. They have also had time to refine their products through thorough research and development. 

Their product offerings cover the most common mycotoxins, are easy to use, and show results within minutes. Rapid, quantitative readings and straightforward documentation are vital for regulatory compliance and internal recordkeeping.

Supporting Quality Assurance with Top-Notch Tests

These seven suppliers provide some of the best testing kits for mycotoxin detection, enabling fast, cost-effective insights. Whether professionals choose HPLC, LFD, or ELISA tests, they will get accurate, quality results.

References

1. Latham, R.L., J.T. Boyle, A. Barbano, W.G. Loveman, and N.A. Brown. "Diverse Mycotoxin Threats to Safe Food and Feed Cereals." Essays in Biochemistry 13, no. 5 (September 2023): 797–809. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10500202/.
2. Mostrom, M. "Mycotoxin-Associated Estrogenism and Vulvovaginitis in Animals." Merck Veterinary Manual. Modified September 2024. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/mycotoxicoses/mycotoxin-associated-estrogenism-and-vulvovaginitis-in-animals. 
3. Zhang, C., Z. Qu, J. Hou, and Y. Yao. "Contamination and Control of Mycotoxins in Grain and Oil Crops." Microorganisms 12, no. 3 (March 2024): 567. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10972482/. 
4. Charm Sciences Inc. https://www.charm.com/?utm_source=food-safety-magazine&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=em-geo. 
5. EnviroLogix Inc. https://www.envirologix.com/. 
6. Neogen. https://www.neogen.com/en/usac/. 
7. VICAM. https://www.vicam.com/. 
8. Prognosis Biotech. https://www.prognosis-biotech.com/. 
9. Romer Labs Inc. https://www.romerlabs.com/us_en/. 
10. Gold Standard Diagnostics. https://www.goldstandarddiagnostics.com/.