T-2 and HT-2 Toxin Testing in Food and Feed

T-2 and HT-2 toxins are Type A trichothecene mycotoxins produced primarily by Fusarium species, including Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium langsethiae. These fungi commonly infect cereal crops in the field, particularly under cool and wet conditions.
HT-2 toxin is a major metabolite of T-2 toxin, and the two are typically assessed together due to their similar structure and toxicological effects.
T-2 and HT-2 toxins are most frequently associated with oats, barley, wheat and maize, and may be present in both food products and animal feed manufactured from contaminated cereals.

Contamination is influenced by climatic conditions during crop development, especially prolonged rainfall and moderate temperatures.
High-risk commodities include:
‣ Oats and oat-based products
‣ Barley
‣ Wheat
‣ Maize
‣ Cereal-based feed ingredients
‣ Pet food formulations containing cereal fractions
T-2 and HT-2 toxins are more frequently reported in temperate regions and are not commonly detected in Southern Africa under typical climatic conditions. However, occurrences may vary between seasons, and sporadic contamination can still arise depending on environmental factors.
T-2 and HT-2 toxins may co-occur with other Fusarium toxins such as DON, ZEA and NIV. Because contamination can occur without obvious signs of fungal growth, laboratory testing is required to determine toxin levels.

T-2 and HT-2 toxins are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis and are recognised for their cytotoxic effects.
In animals, exposure may result in:
‣ Reduced feed intake
‣ Oral lesions
‣ Gastrointestinal irritation
‣ Immunosuppression
‣ Reduced growth performance
Poultry and pigs are particularly sensitive to Type A trichothecenes. Companion animals may also be affected when contaminated cereal ingredients are present in pet food.
In humans, chronic dietary exposure is controlled through regulatory or guidance limits due to its toxicity and potential long-term health implications.

Because these toxins often occur at low concentrations and may co-exist with other trichothecenes, multi-mycotoxin analysis is essential for accurate risk assessment.
Analytical testing supports:
‣ Verification of compliance with regulatory or guidance levels
‣ Risk-based raw material approval
‣ Protection of sensitive livestock species
‣ Monitoring of cereal-based food and pet products
‣ Management of co-occurring Fusarium toxins
Validated LC-MS/MS methods enable simultaneous detection of T-2 and HT-2 toxins alongside related mycotoxins within a single analysis.

Effective management includes:
‣ Good agricultural practices
‣ Monitoring of high-risk cereal crops
‣ Proper drying and storage
‣ Representative sampling
‣ Routine analytical testing
Given their potency and frequent co-occurrence with other Fusarium toxins, proactive monitoring of T-2 and HT-2 toxins is an important component of comprehensive mycotoxin risk management.