Mycotoxin monitoring in 2026: What evolving EU requirements mean for grain and feed testing

Mycotoxin monitoring in 2026: What evolving EU requirements mean for grain and feed testing

European feed safety requirements are evolving as scientific assessments and monitoring data provide new insights into mycotoxin risks. For grain traders, feed manufacturers and quality managers, these developments raise questions about analytical strategies, sampling procedures and the interpretation of laboratory results.

Changing European requirements

In July 2026, the European Commission updated its recommendations concerning several mycotoxins in feed, including deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and fumonisins. The updated guidance reflects developments in scientific understanding and monitoring practices, with staged application beginning in 2027.

For businesses operating internationally, the distinction between recommended guidance values, legally binding maximum levels and contractual specifications remains important. Different destination markets and customer requirements can influence which analytical parameters and acceptance criteria apply.

The regulatory development also provides an opportunity to reassess existing testing programmes. Rather than increasing testing indiscriminately, businesses need to determine whether their analytical strategies reflect current contamination risks, commodity characteristics and intended applications.

Contamination patterns are becoming more complex

Mycotoxin occurrence is influenced by weather conditions, crop development, harvesting and storage. Research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other scientific institutions has highlighted the importance of monitoring changing contamination patterns, particularly as climatic conditions evolve.

For international grain trade, origin-specific risks remain important. DON and ZEA are frequently associated with Fusarium contamination in cereals, while fumonisins and aflatoxin are particularly relevant in maize. Aflatoxin risks may increase under different environmental conditions.

Another challenge is the co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins. Although the toxicological implications of combined exposure remain under scientific investigation, multi-mycotoxin analysis can provide a broader picture of contamination profiles.

Modern analytical techniques, including LC-MS/MS, allow laboratories to determine multiple substances within a single analytical workflow. However, method performance depends on the commodity matrix, target analytes and required detection limits.

Sampling and analytical uncertainty

Even advanced analytical methods cannot compensate for inadequate sampling. Mycotoxin contamination is often unevenly distributed within bulk grain consignments, making sampling procedures a significant source of uncertainty.

The number and distribution of incremental samples, sample preparation and laboratory sample reduction can materially influence the final result. This is particularly relevant when concentrations approach regulatory or contractual thresholds.

For quality managers, reliable decision-making therefore requires appropriate sampling, validated analytical methods and an understanding of measurement uncertainty. Testing programmes should reflect the risk profile of the commodity rather than rely exclusively on standardized analytical panels.

Connecting sampling with specialist laboratory expertise

Control Union supports grain and feed businesses through international commodity sampling, inspection and laboratory testing services. Together with TLR International Laboratories, we provide access to specialized analytical expertise for mycotoxins, pesticide residues, nutritional composition and microbiological parameters, helping clients obtain results relevant to their quality and safety requirements.

As European guidance and contamination risks evolve, reviewing the suitability of existing testing programmes becomes increasingly important. Explore Control Union’s testing services and TLR International Laboratories, or contact our specialists to discuss your analytical requirements.

External sources:

European Commission, 2026 Recommendation on mycotoxins in feed, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2026/1801/oj/eng ;

EFSA scientific assessments on mycotoxins https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/mycotoxins;

European Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009, as amended, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/152/2025-05-14.