- In March 2025, Alltech released its comprehensive 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis, highlighting a moderate-to-high overall risk of mycotoxin contamination in key crops such as corn grain and corn silage. The report attributes the elevated risk to early-season rains followed by late-season droughts, which created ideal conditions for the proliferation of type B trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins—especially in the Midwest. The analysis revealed that over 95% of crop samples contained at least one mycotoxin, with many showing multiple contaminants, posing significant threats to animal health and performance. The findings emphasize the importance of proactive mycotoxin management, including regular testing, region-specific risk assessments, and tailored mitigation strategies to protect livestock and maintain feed quality
- In March 2025, DSM-Firmenich and Selko released their 2024 global mycotoxin analyses, revealing a sharp rise in contamination levels across all six major mycotoxins—aflatoxin (AFLA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM), T-2 toxin, and ochratoxin A (OCHRA)—compared to 2023. The findings identified North and Central America as regions facing “extreme risk”, with high co-contamination rates and elevated concentrations in feed ingredients such as grains and protein meals. Selko’s review, based on over 86,000 samples from 47 countries, found ZEA to be the most frequently detected mycotoxin globally, while DSM-Firmenich’s survey emphasized the growing threat to animal health, feed safety, and agricultural sustainability. These results underscore the urgent need for advanced testing, risk mitigation strategies, and region-specific monitoring to safeguard livestock and food systems
- In October 2024, BrucePac issued a nationwide recall of approximately 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), affected products produced between May 31 and October 8, 2024, and distributed to restaurants, schools, and institutions across the U.S.. Although no confirmed illnesses were reported, the recall underscores the critical importance of robust food safety protocols, especially for pathogens such as Listeria, which can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations. BrucePac halted production and is working with federal authorities to ensure consumer safety and prevent future contamination
- In February 2024, DSM-Firmenich released its annual global mycotoxin prevalence survey for the 2023 calendar year, offering critical insights into contamination trends across feed and raw materials. The survey revealed a notable increase in all six major mycotoxins—including aflatoxin, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins, T-2 toxin, and ochratoxin A—compared to 2022. With over 28,000 samples analyzed from 95 countries, the findings underscore the growing importance of regular testing to safeguard animal health, feed quality, and food safety. This research supports the development of advanced detection tools and risk mitigation strategies tailored to regional and species-specific needs
- In January 2024, Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. recalled approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The affected products—charcuterie samplers containing prosciutto, sweet sopressata, and dry coppa—were distributed to Sam’s Club locations in multiple U.S. states. The recall was initiated after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture detected the outbreak strain of Salmonella in an unopened product sample. This incident, though unrelated to mycotoxins, highlights the critical importance of comprehensive food safety testing across all potential contaminants. It also reflects the rigorous regulatory oversight in North America aimed at protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust
