Key facts
- COCERAL's 2023 Mycotoxins Survey warns of rising mycotoxin risks in grains.
- The survey involved 19 key players in the European grain sector.
- Data was collected from 14 European countries.
- The report indicates an increase in both the prevalence and severity of mycotoxins.
- Unpredictable food and feed safety issues are anticipated.
- Economic repercussions are expected for grain collectors and traders.
The European agricultural sector is facing heightened risks from mycotoxins in grains, according to COCERAL's 2023 Mycotoxins Survey. This comprehensive report, which gathered insights from 19 key stakeholders operating across 14 European nations, reveals a concerning trend of increasing mycotoxin prevalence and severity. The findings suggest that the contamination levels are becoming more widespread and potent, posing a significant threat to the safety of food and animal feed.
COCERAL anticipates that these rising mycotoxin levels will result in unpredictable food and feed safety issues. Such contamination can render grains unfit for consumption, leading to potential health risks for both humans and animals. The economic repercussions are also expected to be substantial, impacting grain collectors, traders, and potentially the wider agricultural supply chain. The unpredictability of these issues means that businesses may face sudden losses or increased costs associated with managing contaminated batches or finding alternative supplies.
The survey's scope, involving 19 key players, underscores the widespread nature of this concern within the European grain market. The involvement of multiple countries highlights that this is not an isolated incident but a continental challenge. The report serves as a critical warning to the industry to prepare for potential disruptions and to implement robust monitoring and mitigation strategies to address the escalating mycotoxin threat.