Rapid Determination of mycotoxins by LC-MS/MS

Introduction

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several species of fungi and are considered one of the most  important  contaminants  of  agricultural  commodities,  both  in the field and in storage. Agricultural products that may be affected include cereals, spices, dried fruits and various nuts. Although hundreds of  mycotoxins  are  known,  relatively  few are considered to pose a significant health risk. Aflatoxins, in particular alfatoxin B1, are genotoxic and carcinogenic and may cause liver cancer in humans, whilst ochratoxin A and the trichothecenes HT-2 and T-2 can cause various toxic effects. Due to  their  potential toxicity at low levels to both humans and animals, monitoring and control of  certain mycotoxins is important within the food industry.