dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey Highlights Rising Global Risks

82% of Samples Contain Multiple Mycotoxins

Dsm-firmenich has launched its latest World Mycotoxin Survey, revealing alarming insights regarding mycotoxin prevalence from January to September 2025. This report stands as the most extensive global evaluation of mycotoxin contamination and its associated risks to date.

Comprehensive Data Analysis

Analyzing a staggering 19,051 samples and conducting 105,079 single analyses across more than 85 countries, the survey provides crucial insights into contamination levels, co-occurrence patterns, and regional risk profiles. These findings are essential for professionals involved in feed production, animal nutrition, and food safety, serving as a vital resource to safeguard animal health and maintain product integrity.

Key Components of the Q3 Report

• Global Risk Mapping: Visual representation of contamination levels by region, toxin type, and commodity.
• Detailed Toxin Profiles: Information on prominent toxins such as Afla, ZEN, DON, T-2, FUM, OTA, along with over 800 metabolites detected via Spectrum 380®.
• Advanced Analytical Methods: Insights into how LC-MS/MS and Spectrum Top® 50 are redefining detection standards.
• Species-Specific Risk Indicators: Understanding the varying impacts of mycotoxins on different animal species.
• Year-over-Year Comparisons: A comprehensive assessment of trends, contrasting data from 2024 and 2025.

Key Highlights from the Survey

• North America: Severe mycotoxin risk for livestock, with an 84% total risk.
• DON: Detected in 73% of samples.
• ZEN: Found in 79% of samples.
• Central and South America: FUM contamination averages 1,800 ppb.
• Central America: ZEN occurrences reach 94%.
• South Asia & China/Taiwan: Aflatoxins identified in 85% of South Asian samples.
• China/Taiwan: DON found in 93% of samples.
• East Asia: FUM dominates with 97% occurrence.
• Europe: Central Europe reports DON at 76%.
• Southern Europe: Aflatoxins and ZEN show significant threats at 44% and 60% respectively.

Concerns Over Co-Contamination

Notably, 82% of all samples contained more than one mycotoxin, raising serious concerns regarding global feed safety.

Expert Insights

Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich, commented on the findings: “The 2025 results reveal a worrying escalation in both mycotoxin prevalence and co-contamination worldwide. With over 80% of samples containing multiple toxins, the risks to animal health, productivity, and welfare are intensifying. These insights reinforce the urgent need for continuous monitoring, advanced detection, and effective mitigation strategies to protect livestock and ensure a safe global food supply chain.”

About the Survey

Since 2004, dsm-firmenich has conducted annual analyses of numerous feed samples across the globe to understand and monitor levels of various mycotoxin contaminations in feed ingredients. The findings are disseminated in the annual dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey.

Mycotoxins, naturally produced by fungi, can contaminate feed raw materials both in the field and during storage. When consumed by animals, mycotoxins can cause a range of negative effects, including reproductive issues, digestive disorders, carcinogenicity, and decreased performance.

For those interested in further details, you can download the dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey from January to September 2025 here.

Image: ©Fish Focus