Trouw Nutrition has released its 6th annual Global Mycotoxin Review, warning of rising contamination risks across a wide range of feed ingredients. The findings, presented during a live global webinar, draw on more than 120,000 analysed samples from 47–50 countries and highlight how climate volatility, evolving trade flows and the growing presence of emerging mycotoxins are reshaping global feed‑safety challenges.
The session brought together 2 of Trouw Nutrition’s leading experts: Dr Swami Haladi, Global Category Manager for Mould and Mycotoxin Risk Management, and Dr Avinash Bhat., Technical Specialist at MasterLab. Together they offered a comprehensive analysis of 2025 contamination trends, early expectations for 2026, and the practical implications for the global feed and livestock industries.
Zearalenone rises sharply for second consecutive year
One of the most striking developments in this year’s dataset was the continued surge in zearalenone (ZEN) contamination. Historically detected in around 40–50% of samples, ZEN has now climbed significantly for 2 years in a row. Dr Haladi noted that this shift may relate to storage issues, changes in fungal behaviour and climate‑driven stress on crops. ZEN typically appears alongside DON (deoxynivalenol), but its fast‑rising prevalence is prompting new scientific questions.
Fumonisins still the most abundant toxin worldwide
Fumonisins (FUM) once again ranked as the highest‑concentration mycotoxin across global samples. With averages exceeding 900 ppb, FUM remains a frequent and persistent challenge, not only in historically high‑risk regions such as Latin America and Asia, but increasingly in parts of Europe. According to Dr Haladi, this pattern suggests that warming conditions and greater reliance on imported maize are influencing the toxin’s geographical spread.
By‑products, small grains and protein meals under the spotlight
Trouw Nutrition emphasised the importance of testing all raw materials, not just maize. By‑products such as DDGS and rice bran typically contain 2 to 3 times the mycotoxin load of their parent grains, due to toxin concentration in fibre. Emerging data also show elevated contamination levels in oats, barley and other small grains—fuelled in part by growing use of these ingredients in pig and poultry diets.
Protein meals, although lower contributors to DON and fumonisin loads, are showing higher occurrences of ochratoxin, T‑2 toxin and several emerging compounds. Dr Haladi warned that even ingredients used at 1% of inclusion should now be part of routine monitoring.
Regional differences show dramatic variation
The global analysis illustrated major regional contrasts. Asia and North America continue to report some of the highest mycotoxin contamination percentages, particularly for fumonisins. Europe maintained generally lower rates but experienced notable seasonal spikes, including unexpected increases in aflatoxin during specific months. Latin America displayed unusual peaks in DON, reflecting how climate and logistics disruptions influence contamination dynamics.
Predictions for Q1 2026 indicate persistent risk
Using new machine‑learning‑based models, Trouw Nutrition shared 3‑month forecasts for several key toxins. Global averages for Q1 2026 are predicted to reach approximately 6.3 ppb for aflatoxin, 812 ppb for fumonisins, 460 ppb for DON and 73 ppb for ZEN. Country‑level predictions showed even sharper risks: South Africa may see DON levels exceeding 3,500 ppb in maize, India is expected to record aflatoxin averages above 20 ppb, and France could face ZEN concentrations of 500–700 ppb.
Emerging mycotoxins increasingly detected
Trouw Nutrition is expanding its LC‑MS/MS analytical panel to 30 toxins, including enniatins, alternaria toxins and other emerging compounds. Early data revealed that some emerging toxins appeared in 100% of samples tested—far surpassing classical mycotoxins like DON. These findings may help explain unexplained field symptoms such as diarrhoea, poor growth or reproductive inefficiencies when traditional toxins appear below threshold levels.
Implications for feed and livestock producers
The webinar underscored a growing understanding of species‑specific sensitivity. Poultry, once considered relatively resilient to DON and fumonisins, are now showing clearer performance impacts. Dairy systems using silage also face heightened exposure, as TMR often displays higher contamination than concentrates alone.
In response to mounting risk, Trouw Nutrition is advancing new mitigation technologies, including innovations in its TOXO range aimed at improving protection against DON and fumonisins. With emerging toxins increasingly present and traditional toxins shifting geographically, the presenters emphasised the urgent need for robust monitoring, precise sampling and evidence‑based mitigation strategies.
As global supply chains evolve and climate patterns continue to shift, Trouw Nutrition’s latest review offers a detailed and timely warning: mycotoxin risk is rising, diversifying and becoming more complex—and the feed industry must prepare accordingly.
