Persistently high levels of mycotoxin co-contamination, significant regional difference and commodity-specific risk profiles that present ongoing challenges for feed manufacturers and livestock producers have been highlighted in the dsm‑firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey for January–December 2025.
Across regions, the study found that multiple mycotoxins per sample remain the norm, with many areas showing extreme risk levels.
- In Central America, for example, total risk reached 83%, with high prevalence of ZEN (94%), FUM (83%) and B‑Trichothecenes (76%).
- Similarly, China and Taiwan recorded 95% total risk, driven by FUM (88%), B‑Trichos (93%) and ZEN (81%).
- Eastern Europe, by contrast, presented a notably lower overall risk at 41%, though individual toxins such as ZEN (54%) and B‑Trichos (66%) remain prevalent.
The data strongly reinforces a key trend – that Fusarium toxins continue to dominate globally. Regions such as East Asia (FUM 97%, B‑Trichos 89%) and Sub‑Saharan Africa (FUM 100%, ZEN 59%) highlight systemic challenges in controlling storage‑ and field‑related contamination.
COMMODITY-SPECIFIC RISKS IN 2025
Corn and Corn Silage
Corn remains one of the highest‑risk commodities. In Northern America, 88% of corn samples contained fumonisins, with maximum concentrations exceeding 77,000 ppb. DON and ZEN were also prevalent, with over 63% of corn samples containing ZEN. In Asia, corn contamination was even more severe: 81% Afla, 92% FUM, and 62% ZEN prevalence, showing multi‑mycotoxin exposure at extreme levels.
Corn silage similarly showed high DON and ZEN risk, with some regions reporting DON averages above 1,600 ppb. In several geographies, more than 90% of corn silage samples were positive for B‑Trichothecenes.
Wheat
Wheat generally presented lower aflatoxin (Afla) and fumonisin levels, but DON and ZEN remained significant. For example, in North America, 93% of wheat samples contained DON. Maximum DON concentrations reached 6,863 ppb in some cases, highlighting a continued threat.
Soybean meal
SBM showed moderate levels of trichothecenes (32–37%) and high prevalence of ZEN in some regions (up to 82% in North America). However, fumonisin contamination was relatively lower compared with corn-based products.
Finished feed: Strong evidence of carry‑through contamination
Finished feed results demonstrate clear carry‑through from raw ingredients. In North America, 99% of finished feed samples contained fumonisins, and 93% contained ZEN. Global finished feed contamination reached:
- FUM: up to 85% prevalence
- ZEN: up to 79% prevalence
- B‑Trichothecenes: often >70% prevalence
Advanced detection confirms depth of the threat
Using the Spectrum 380 analytical method, the survey reports that 98% of samples contained Fusarium‑related metabolites, with an average of 38 different mycotoxins and metabolites per sample. This shows contamination far beyond regulated mycotoxins such as DON, ZEN, Afla and fumonisins.
The 2025 dataset highlights a persistent and evolving global mycotoxin challenge. High contamination in corn and corn silage, widespread Fusarium toxin pressure, and strong evidence of multi‑mycotoxin carry‑over underscore the need for continuous monitoring, region‑specific risk management, and integrated mitigation strategies.
Results spark concerns
Commenting on the results, Professor Chris Elliott, Bualuang Professor of Food Security, Thammasat University Centre of Excellence in Global Food Security and Honorary Professor at Queen’s University Belfast, said the threat posed by mycotoxins had to be taken more seriously.
“If we are serious about protecting food security in an increasingly unstable world mycotoxins must move from the margins of food safety discussions to the centre of strategic policy thinking.
Prof Elliot said mycotoxins were a silent but escalating threat to global food security and had been intensified by climate change and were still poorly addressed by current regulatory frameworks.
He said single-toxin thinking was no longer fit for purpose, adding that mycotoxin contamination in the food supply was far more than a compliance issue, affecting health, trade and food system reliance.
