MycoRed (Novel integrated strategies for worldwide mycotoxin reduction in the food and feed chains) is a large collaborative European Union project into the Seventh Framework Programme involving 25 participants from 17 countries.
The project aims at developing strategic solutions to reduce contamination by mycotoxins of major concern in economically important food and feed chains. Novel methodologies, efficient handling procedures and information, dissemination and educational strategies are considered in a context of multidisciplinary integration of know-how and technology to reduce mycotoxins exposure worldwide. The project is significantly built on the outcome of several European projects on mycotoxins by supporting, stimulating and facilitating education and cooperation with countries having major mycotoxin concerns related to (international) trade and human health.
Five work-packages (WPs) are developing novel solution driven strategies to reduce both pre-and post-harvest contamination in feed and food chains. They involve: i) optimization of plant resistance and fungicide use; ii) biocontrol to reduce toxigenic fungi in cropping systems, iii) predictive modelling and optimise logistics; iv) novel post-harvest and storage practices and v) application of new food processing technologies. Two horizontal WPs are developing enabling methodologies for i) advanced diagnostics and quantitative detection of toxigenic fungi and ii) rapid and multi-toxin detection of mycotoxins and relevant biomarkers.
The direct involvement of ICPC countries (Argentina, Egypt, Russia, South Africa, Turkey) and international organizations (CIMMYT,IITA) together with strong alliances with major research institutions in the USA (3 USDA Centers/5 Universities), Australia, Malaysia are strengthening the project through sharing experiences and resources from several past/ongoing mycotoxin projects in a global context.
The INC is involved in WP5 and WP8 participating in the following tasks:
- Food and feed processing for mycotoxin reduction. Effect of dehulling / peeling and roasting processes on aflatoxins in almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels.
- Training video for mycotoxin sampling. Prepare a new video on mycotoxin sampling for food and feed regional training course for dissemination in developing countries, mainly Africa and South America.
- Global Network, awareness and dissemination. Conduction of a Delphi study on advances on reduction of mycotoxins in wheat, maize and nuts and dried fruits in order to generate ideas and facilitate consensus among experts.
- Dissemination of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) / Good Management Practices (GMP) / Good Storage Practice (GSP). Dissemination of the results of the project, GAPs, standards, regulations and technical issues for nuts and dried fruits through our website.
- Economic evaluation of the impact of mycotoxin contamination. Expenses related to the eventual destruction and /or confiscation of goods, customs duties for incoming and outgoing material, demurrage at ports awaiting health inspections, and the cost of controls.
What is MycoRed?
By Prof. Rudolf Krska Head of Institute, Center for Analytical Chemistry, IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
For more information: www.mycored.eu
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