Zearalenone in feed, urine and meat from three pig farms in Croatia

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin of the genus Fusarium which belongs to group macrocyclic lactones. ZEN contamination occurs during cereal harvest or in early phase storage if drying was insufficient. The aim this study determine level feed mixtures given pigs fattening period at three different farms Republic Croatia, as also levels urine and meat taken from same animals. examined correlation between concentrations with estimation intake human body through consumption, expressed percentage Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). In total, 9 (3 samples per farm), 45 (from 15 animals farm) were 2021 pig located eastern central Croatia. determined by competitive enzyme ELISA method. All values all within maximum recommended limit (MRL) EU Recommendation, i.e., 250 μg/kg, though one far, recorded just under MRL. Monitoring can be used an indicator for detection mycotoxin. Although fed near MRL contamination, negligible TDI value obtained humans consumption. However, since component diet, view fact that present number foodstuffs, especially cereals, its total could significantly higher than estimated herein.