The recent Fusarium mycotoxin situation in grain and feed in China

Fusarium mycotoxins, such as trichothecenes, zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins, are widely distributed in grain and animal feed and cause hazards to human and animal health. China, one of the largest producers of agricultural products and animal feed, constantly faces challenges in preventing and controlling Fusariurn mycotoxins. The recent status of Fusarium mycotoxins in grain and feed is of interest to many stakeholders; however, no comprehensive review of this has been published to date. The objective of this article is to review the recent situation in China, including the contamination situation, its (probable) main causes and the updated regulations. Every district of China has been affected by Fusarium mycotoxin contamination to varying degrees, with the most seriously affected districts being East China, Central China and North China. The incidence rates of deoxynivalenol and ZEA were higher than those of other Fusarium mycotoxins in both grain and feed samples. It has been suggested that deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside should undergo the risk assessment and the development of a related legal limit in China. Among the multiple causes of Fusariurn mycotoxin occurrence in China, geography and climate and the variable characteristics of plants are probably the two important causes. The latest legal limits for Fusarium mycotoxins in food were promulgated in 2011, and the legal limits in feed are in the process of being revised. This article aims to provide information for promoting an understanding of the recent situation and the challenges for combating Fusarium mycotoxin contamination of grain and feed in China.