The SSUFSCP is strengthening laboratory control over mycotoxins in food products

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are formed as a result of the activity of microscopic mold fungi. They can accumulate in food products, especially in grains, nuts, dried fruits, milk, meat, etc., and pose a serious threat to human health, causing poisoning and other pathological conditions.

To ensure effective laboratory control of mycotoxins, state regional laboratories of the SSUFSCP in 14 regions of Ukraine, the Central Testing State Laboratory in Kyiv region and Kyiv city, as well as the State Scientific Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE) and the State Scientific And Control Institute Of Biotechnology And Strains Of Microorganisms (SSCIBSM), are equipped with modern equipment — liquid chromatographs — and have the appropriate accreditation to conduct research on the content of mycotoxins.

The following harmful substances are determined in the specified laboratories:

• aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1);
• patulin;
• zearalenone;
• deoxynivalenol;
• ochratoxin A;
• others — using the method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

“Food safety begins with control — and our laboratory network is ready to meet the challenges. Currently, 6 regional laboratories — in Ivano-Frankivsk, Kirovohrad, Rivne, Sumy, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi regions — have planned to purchase liquid chromatographs and expand the scope of accreditation for mycotoxin research,” emphasized Oleg Osiian, the First Deputy Head of the SSUFSCP.

This means:

• Improving the level of food safety by detecting mycotoxins before they enter the consumer market. Mycotoxins are tasteless, odorless, and colorless. However, modern laboratory equipment allows for their detection even in minimal concentrations — before the product reaches store shelves and your table.
• Prompt response to risks on-site without the need to send samples to other regions. When a hazardous substance can be detected already in the region, instead of waiting for analysis from another area — it saves time and allows for quicker withdrawal of potentially dangerous products.
• Ensuring proper control of product safety in all regions of Ukraine. Expanding the laboratory network allows for the monitoring of product safety not only in individual regions but across the entire territory of Ukraine — this is a step towards true systemic approach.
• Compliance with international requirements, in particular European Union standards in the field of veterinary and sanitary control over food contaminants. This is not just control for safety — it is a work according to standards recognized in the EU and worldwide. This is important for both export and trust within the country.

The SSUFSCP continues its consistent efforts to modernize laboratory infrastructure and implement effective control mechanisms aimed at protecting consumer health and strengthening the food safety system in Ukraine.