Food mycotoxins survey and monitoring programs.

Traditionally, mycotoxin problems have come to our attention mainly because of outbreaks of animal diseases and in several instances human diseases and there are then related to a mycotoxin as the causative agent. Undoubtedly this will continue to be a very important means for uncovering mycotoxin problems. However, in recent years, now that practical, sensitive analytical methods have become available, we have been able to seek out mycotoxin contamination, monitor problem foods and survey problem foods for a number of mycotoxins. Examples of effective programs, and effective peanut control program; import, export and manufacturing quality control programs are presented. Points of testing, sampling, sample preparation; types of tests such as screening, multidetection chemical and confirmation tests are discussed.