Abstract of the 68th Meeting (Spring Meeting) 6–9 March 1990, Heidelberg

Fusaproliferin, beauvericin and enniatins: occurrence in food – a review

The present review summarises data on the prevalence and concentration of fusaproliferin, beauvericin and enniatins in small grains, maize and processed grain-based foods. These fungal secondary metabolites possess interesting biological activities and are presently often referred to as 'emerging mycotoxins'. They have been considered as less important since they are likely not of acute toxicity. However, their high prevalence in foodstuffs, occasionally in higher mg/kg concentrations, warrants an assessment of their true importance for food (and feed) safety. Thorough surveys that determine the contamination of raw and processed foods with fusaproliferin, beauvericin and enniatins are sti…