Comparative study of mycotoxin occurrence in Andean and cereal grains cultivated in South America and North Europe

The consumption of high-quality Andean grains (a.k.a. pseudocereals) is increasing worldwide, and yet very little known about the susceptibility these crops to mycotoxin contamination. In this survey study, a multi-analyte liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was utilised determine fungal metabolite levels in (quinoa kañiwa) comparison cereal (barley, oats wheat), cultivated both South American (Bolivia Peru) North European (Denmark, Finland Latvia) countries. A total 101 analytes were detected at varying levels, primarily produced by Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. Aspergillus depending on type crop, geographical location agricultural practices used. Generally, from America showed lower contamination (concentration assortment) than those Europe, while opposite occurred with grains. Mycotoxin profiles exhibited marked differences between grains, even when harvested same regions, highlighting need for crop-specific approaches risk mitigation. Lastly, efficacy grain cleaning respect content assessed, which resulted significantly (overall reduction approx. 50%) cleaned samples majority contaminants.