Zearalenone (ZEA) Testing in Food and Feed

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced primarily by Fusarium species, including Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. These fungi commonly infect cereal crops in the field, particularly under cool and wet conditions.
ZEA is classified as a non-steroidal oestrogenic compound due to its structural similarity to natural oestrogens. As a result, it can interfere with endocrine function in both animals and humans.
Zearalenone is most frequently associated with maize, wheat, barley and other cereal grains and may persist into finished food and feed products manufactured from contaminated raw materials.

ZEA contamination is strongly influenced by environmental conditions during crop flowering and grain development. High rainfall and humidity increase the risk of Fusarium infection and toxin production.
High-risk commodities include:
‣ Maize and maize-based products
‣ Wheat and wheat-based products
‣ Barley
‣ Oats
‣ Animal feed and cereal-based premixes
ZEA commonly co-occurs with other Fusarium toxins such as DON, NIV and T-2/HT-2 toxins, particularly in maize and wheat.
The toxin is relatively stable and may remain present through storage and processing.

Zearalenone is primarily recognised for its oestrogenic activity.
In animals, exposure may result in:
‣ Reproductive disturbances
‣ Swelling of reproductive organs
‣ Reduced fertility
‣ Irregular oestrous cycles
‣ Decreased litter size
Swine are particularly sensitive to ZEA, especially pre-pubertal gilts. Poultry and ruminants generally demonstrate greater tolerance, although high exposure levels may still impact reproductive performance.
In humans, dietary exposure to ZEA is typically low; however, regulatory limits are established due to its endocrine-disrupting properties and potential long-term health implications.

Because ZEA frequently co-occurs with DON and other trichothecenes, testing for a single toxin may underestimate overall risk.
Representative sampling and quantitative analytical testing are essential to determine compliance and manage exposure.
Laboratory analysis supports:
‣ Verification of regulatory compliance
‣ Protection of reproductive performance in livestock
‣ Risk assessment of cereal-based raw materials
‣ Management of co-contamination with other Fusarium toxins
‣ Quality control in food and feed production
Multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods allow simultaneous detection of ZEA alongside related Fusarium toxins, providing a more complete contamination profile.

Effective management of ZEA relies on:
‣ Good agricultural practices
‣ Monitoring of high-risk harvest conditions
‣ Proper drying and storage
‣ Representative sampling
‣ Validated analytical testing
Routine monitoring is particularly important in maize- and wheat-based supply chains where Fusarium infection is prevalent.