Identification of hazardous Fusarium secondary metabolites occurring in food raw materials

Hazardous secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium molds were identified in the first step of a risk assessment procedure, the hazard identification These mycotoxins are excreted, often simultaneously, by the fungus into plant tissue. A literature survey revealed the occurrence of 61 Fusarium species in agricultural produce (cereals, vegetables, fruits) of which 35 species were reported to produce a total of 137 secondary metabolites in laboratory experiments. This literature review shows that 41 (30%) of these secondary metabolites have been tested and found toxic in various assays and should be considered hazardous if present in food. Six of these were reported to be related to human intoxications. Four metabolites belonged to the trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and acetyldeoxynivalenol), the others were zearalenone and fumonisin B-1. Twelve metabolites, including the previously mentioned six, were reported to have been tested in feeding trials using vertebrates. These twelve secondary metabolites should be regarded as most important and need to be evaluated in each risk assessment procedure for mycotoxins in food commodities.