scope:

This document specifies a screening method for the determination of aflatoxin B₁, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B₁ and B₂, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and zearalenone in foodstuffs by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

The aim of the screening method is to determine whether a certain pre-defined concentration (the screening target concentration, STC) is exceeded or not. The result of the screening is either "negative" or "suspect". "Negative" (screen negative) means that the targeted mycotoxins are not detected or potentially present but below the STC. "Suspect" (screen positive) means that the established cut-off value is exceeded and the sample can contain one or more mycotoxins at a concentration higher than the STC.

For full identification and accurate quantification a confirmatory quantitative analysis method is required which is outside the scope of this document.

The method is suitable for various types of foodstuff and has been validated for representative matrices from four commodity groups (see detailed data in Annex C):

- high starch and/or protein content and low water and fat content: wheat, cereal mixture, wheat flour and cornflakes;

- high oil content: peanuts;

- high sugar and low water content: dried figs;

- high water content: grape juice.

During validation, cut-off values were established for the following screening target concentrations:

- aflatoxin B₁: 2 μg/kg to 5 μg/kg;

- deoxynivalenol: 250 μg/kg to 865 μg/kg;

- fumonisin B₁: 200 μg/kg to 790 μg/kg;

- fumonisin B₂: 110 μg/kg to 230 μg/kg;

- ochratoxin A: 4 μg/kg to 9 μg/kg;

- T-2 toxin: 25 μg/kg;

- HT-2 toxin: 25 μg/kg to 50 μg/kg;

- zearalenone: 30 μg/kg to 100 μg/kg.