Codex CAC/GL 90 Multi-Mycotoxin Methods in Food

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established a comprehensive guideline for multi-mycotoxin testing, known as CAC/GL 90. This method is designed to ensure the safety of food by monitoring levels of mycotoxins—potentially harmful fungal metabolites—that can contaminate agricultural products during cultivation, harvesting, or storage.

Multi-mycotoxin analysis is essential in the global food supply chain, especially for commodities like cereals, nuts, oilseeds, and spices. Compliance with these standards not only ensures product safety but also supports international trade by meeting regulatory requirements set by importing countries.

The CAC/GL 90 method uses validated chromatographic techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect a wide range of mycotoxins simultaneously. This approach allows for more efficient and accurate testing compared to single mycotoxin analysis, which is crucial given the complexity of contaminated samples.

The method covers over 100 different types of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFB₁, AFG₂, AFM₁, AFT), trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin), zearalenone, fumonisins, and ergot alkaloids. These toxins are associated with various health risks, including cancer, immune suppression, and reproductive disorders.

The testing process involves several critical steps: sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and analysis. Sample preparation typically includes homogenization, filtration, and dilution to ensure representative samples for accurate measurement. Extraction methods vary depending on the matrix but often involve solvent-based techniques that selectively target mycotoxins without affecting other components of the food.

Cleanup steps are crucial to remove interfering substances from the sample matrix before analysis. This can be achieved through solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction, or cartridge-based methods. The cleaned extracts are then ready for injection into the LC-MS/MS system for separation and identification of mycotoxins.

The reporting of results follows strict guidelines outlined in CAC/GL 90. Quantitative limits vary by toxin type but generally range from parts per billion (ppb) to parts per trillion (ppt), depending on the specific toxin and its associated risk. Qualitative detection is also provided for all tested mycotoxins.

By adhering to CAC/GL 90, laboratories ensure that their testing processes are consistent with international standards, enhancing reliability and traceability in food safety assessments.

Scope and Methodology

The scope of the Codex CAC/GL 90 Multi-Mycotoxin Methods is extensive, encompassing a broad range of food products that are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. This includes cereals (e.g., wheat, corn), oilseeds (e.g., soybeans, peanuts), nuts, spices, and processed foods such as infant formula and pet food.

The methodology involves several key components: sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and analysis using LC-MS/MS. Sample preparation ensures that the sample is representative of the batch being tested. Extraction methods vary depending on the matrix but typically use solvents like methanol or acetonitrile to target mycotoxins.

Cleanup steps are crucial for removing interfering components from the sample, allowing for accurate detection by LC-MS/MS. This can be achieved through various techniques such as solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction, or cartridge-based methods. The cleaned extracts are then ready for injection into the LC-MS/MS system.

The analysis is conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This technique provides both qualitative and quantitative data on mycotoxin concentrations in the sample. The method allows for simultaneous detection of over 100 different mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins, and ergot alkaloids.

The results are reported according to CAC/GL 90 standards, providing quantitative limits that vary by toxin type. These limits range from parts per billion (ppb) to parts per trillion (ppt), depending on the specific toxin and its associated risk. Qualitative detection is also provided for all tested mycotoxins.

The methodology ensures consistency and reliability in food safety assessments, meeting international standards and supporting global trade.

Industry Applications

Mycotoxin Type	Target Food Product	Risk Category
Aflatoxins (AFB₁, AFG₂, AFM₁, AFT)	Corn, peanuts, tree nuts	Highest risk; potential carcinogen
T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin (Trichothecenes)	Wheat, barley, oats, rye	Moderate to high risk; immunosuppressive effects
Zearalenone	Corn, wheat, barley	Moderate risk; reproductive disorders in livestock and humans
Fumonisins	Corn, maize flour	High risk; neurotoxic effects
Ergot alkaloids	Oats, rye	Moderate to high risk; ergotism and hallucinations

The Codex CAC/GL 90 Multi-Mycotoxin Methods are widely used in the food industry for ensuring product safety. Corn, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, barley, oats, rye, and maize flour are particularly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. By adhering to these standards, laboratories can provide accurate and reliable testing results that meet international regulatory requirements.

The methods are applicable across various sectors of the food industry, including manufacturing, distribution, and retail. They support quality control processes by identifying potentially harmful contaminants early in the supply chain. This helps prevent contaminated products from entering the market, thereby protecting consumer health and ensuring compliance with global trade standards.

Competitive Advantage and Market Impact

Adherence to CAC/GL 90 multi-mycotoxin methods provides a significant competitive advantage in the food industry. Compliance with these international standards ensures that products meet rigorous safety benchmarks, enhancing consumer trust and brand reputation.

Laboratories using this method can differentiate themselves by offering precise, consistent, and reliable testing results. This is particularly important for exporters who need to comply with stringent import regulations from countries like the United States, Europe, and Asia. Meeting these standards also opens doors to new markets where food safety is a critical concern.

From an operational perspective, adopting CAC/GL 90 methods streamlines testing processes, reducing turnaround times and costs. The use of advanced chromatographic techniques allows for efficient simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing productivity.

The market impact extends beyond individual organizations to the broader food industry. By ensuring consistent quality across supply chains, laboratories contribute to safer global food supplies. This not only protects public health but also fosters trust among consumers, retailers, and regulatory bodies.

In summary, adherence to CAC/GL 90 multi-mycotoxin methods offers a robust framework for maintaining high standards of product safety, supporting international trade, and driving operational efficiency in the food industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAC/GL 90?

CAC/GL 90 refers to the Codex Alimentarius Commission's Guideline for Analytical Methods of Mycotoxins in Foods. It provides standardized procedures for detecting over 100 mycotoxins simultaneously, ensuring food safety and quality.

Which mycotoxins are tested under CAC/GL 90?

CAC/GL 90 covers a wide range of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFB₁, AFG₂, AFM₁, AFT), trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin), zearalenone, fumonisins, and ergot alkaloids.

What is the significance of multi-mycotoxin testing?

Multi-mycotoxin testing ensures comprehensive safety assessments by detecting multiple harmful fungal metabolites in a single analysis, which is essential given the complexity and variability of contaminated samples.

How does CAC/GL 90 ensure accuracy?

CAC/GL 90 employs validated chromatographic techniques like LC-MS/MS, which provide both qualitative and quantitative data. This ensures precise and reliable detection of mycotoxins in food samples.

What is the role of sample preparation?

Sample preparation involves homogenization, filtration, and dilution to ensure representative samples for accurate measurement. It also helps remove interfering substances before extraction.

How is cleanup performed in CAC/GL 90 methods?

Cleanup steps typically involve solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction, or cartridge-based methods to remove interfering components from the sample matrix, ensuring accurate detection by LC-MS/MS.

What are the reporting standards?

Results are reported according to CAC/GL 90 standards, providing quantitative limits ranging from parts per billion (ppb) to parts per trillion (ppt), depending on the specific toxin and its associated risk. Qualitative detection is also provided for all tested mycotoxins.

Why is CAC/GL 90 important for international trade?

Adherence to these standards ensures that food products meet the rigorous safety benchmarks required by importing countries, supporting global trade and consumer confidence.