Global occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in infant foods: A systematic review (2013-2024)

Author(s)

Ullah, Sana ; Ali, Sher ; Rezende, Vanessa Theodoro ; Nabi, Ghulam ; Tonin, Fernando Gustavo ; de Oliveira, Carlos Augusto Fernandes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FOOD CONTROL; v. 171, p. 17-pg., 2025-01-07.

Abstract

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compounds produced as secondary metabolites by certain fungi species during growth on foodstuffs. The occurrence of mycotoxins in processed infant foods is a global issue having severe health consequences for children. Infants, particularly those aged up to 12 months, are more vulnerable to dietary mycotoxin exposure because of their lower body weight, limited detoxification capacity and higher developmental rates. Due to the high health risks of mycotoxins, numerous regulatory bodies have established maximum residue levels (MRL) in food products. This article provides a systematic revision on the worldwide occurrence and levels of major mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEN), among others in commercially available infant foods and follow-on formulas. By using predefined eligibility criteria for screening scientific databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, relevant data were extracted from 34 studies published between 2013 to July 2024. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and Asia, followed by Africa, with the highest detection rates reported for DON (43.27%), AFs (17.95%), OTA (14.17%), FBs (11.5%) and ZEN (9.3% %). A higher number of samples with levels exceeding the MRL was found for AFs, followed by OTA, DON and ZEN. These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of mycotoxin levels in infant foods to address global safety concerns of this susceptible population. Similarly, future research is essential for understanding the health risks of mycotoxins exposure in infants. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/05989-2 - Assessment of mycotoxin co-occurrence in infant foods in Pirassununga and Ribeirão Preto/SP
• Grantee: Sana Ullah
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/21603-1 - Biomarker approaches for assessing the early life exposure to multiple mycotoxins in the diet
• Grantee: Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/03952-1 - Assessment of infants and young children exposure to dietary mycotoxins in Ribeirão Preto/SP
• Grantee: Sher Ali
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral