Commission Recommendation of 17 August 2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products   (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2006-08-17
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: animal nutrition, cereal-growing, food contamination, food standard, pollution control measures, prevention of pollution, toxic substance

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Official Journal of the European Union

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COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

of 17 August 2006
on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/583/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty
and
Community,
Article 211 thereof,

particular

in

establishing the European
of

second

indent

the

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

In accordance with Council Directive 93/5/EEC of 25
February 1993 on assistance to the Commission and
cooperation by the Member States in the scientific exam-
ination of questions relating to food (1), Scientific Coop-
eration (SCOOP) Task 3.2.10 ‘Collection of occurrence
data of Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of
dietary intake by the population of EU Member
States’ (2) was completed in September 2003.

The results of that task demonstrate that Fusarium toxins
are widely distributed in the food chain within the
Community. The major sources of dietary intake of
Fusarium toxins are products made from cereals,
in
particular wheat and maize. While the dietary intakes
of Fusarium toxins for the entire population and adults
are often less than the respective tolerable daily intakes
(TDI), for risk groups like infants and young children,
they are close to or even exceed the TDI in some cases.

In particular for deoxynivalenol, the dietary intake for
young children and adolescents is close to the TDI. For
zearalenone, attention should be paid to population
groups not identified in the task, which might have a
regularly high consumption of products with a high
incidence of zearalenone contamination. For fumonisins,
monitoring results for the 2003 harvest indicate that
very highly
maize
contaminated by fumonisins.

and maize products

can be

(3)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March
2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in
foodstuffs (3) establishes maximum levels for deoxyni-

(1) OJ L 52, 4.3.1993, p. 18. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC)
No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(2) Report

available on the Commission's website

(DG Health
at http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/scoop/

and Consumer Protection)
task3210.pdf

from the year 2007
valenol and zearalenone and,
onwards, requires, maximum levels to be set for fumo-
nisins and T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal
products.

the outcome of

The maximum levels set for Fusarium toxins in cereal and
the toxicological
cereal products
take into account
evaluation,
the exposure assessment
and the feasibility of achieving such levels. However, it
is recognised that all efforts should be made to further
reduce the presence of these Fusarium toxins in cereals
and cereal products.

feed,

regards

Commission

As
Recommendation
2006/576/EC of 17 August 2006 on the presence of
deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and
HT-2 toxin and fumonisins in products intended for
animal feeding (4) recommends increased monitoring for
the presence of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal
products intended for animal feeding and in compound
feed and provides guidance values to be used in assessing
the acceptability of compound feed and cereals and cereal
products for animal feeding.

The presence of Fusarium toxins in products for animal
in toxic effects in all animal species,
feed can result
affecting animal health,
susceptibility
varies considerably amongst animal species. In order to
protect animal health and to avoid adverse effects on
livestock production,
to prevent
and reduce as far as possible the presence of Fusarium
toxins in cereals and cereal products for animal feeding.

is also important

although the

it

The cereal chain should therefore be encouraged to adopt
good practices to prevent and reduce Fusarium toxin
contamination and this should be achieved through
the principles applied uniformly across
application of
the Community. The full
implementation of the prin-
ciples as set out in this Recommendation should result
in a further reduction in contamination levels.

These principles take into account the ‘Code of Practice
for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contam-
including annexes on ochratoxin A,
ination in cereals,
fumonisins and trichothecenes (CAC/RCP
zearalenone,
51-2003)’
Codex Alimentarius
adopted
Commission in 2003,

the

by

(3) OJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation

(EC) No 199/2006 (OJ L 32, 4.2.2006, p. 34).

(4) OJ L 229, 23.8.2006, p. 7.

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HEREBY RECOMMENDS:

That the Member States should take into account the uniform principles set out in the Annex when
adopting measures directed at operators in the cereal chain in order to control and manage contamination
of cereals by Fusarium toxins.

Done at Brussels, 17 August 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU
Member of the Commission

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ANNEX

PRINCIPLES FOR THE PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF FUSARIUM TOXIN CONTAMINATION
IN CEREALS

INTRODUCTION

1. Many species of Fusarium fungi, which are common in soil, can produce a number of different mycotoxins including
the trichothecenes such as deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2 and HT-2 toxins and some other toxins such
as zearalenone and fumonisins B1 and B2. Fusarium fungi are commonly found on cereals grown in the temperate
regions of America, Europe and Asia. Several of the toxin-producing Fusarium fungi are capable of producing two or
more of these toxins to a varying degree.

2. While the complete elimination of mycotoxin-contaminated commodities is not achievable at this time, the aim is to
minimise the occurrence of these toxins through good agricultural practice. The present principles for the prevention
and reduction of Fusarium toxins aim to provide uniform guidance for all Member States to consider when
attempting to control and manage contamination by these mycotoxins.
In order for these principles to be
effective, producers in each Member State need to consider these general principles in the light of their local
crops, climate, and agronomic practices before attempting to apply them. It is important for producers to realise
that good agricultural practices (GAP) represent the primary line of defence in controlling the contamination of
cereals by Fusarium toxins, followed by the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) during the
handling, storage, processing, and distribution of cereals for human food and animal feed. In drawing up national
codes of practice based on the general principles and producing specific codes of practice for individual cereal species
will improve applicability, particularly for crops such as maize.

3. These principles describe factors that can lead to fungal infection, growth and toxin production in cereal crops at
farm level and the methods for their control. It must be emphasised that the planting, pre-harvest and post-harvest
strategies for a particular crop will depend on the prevailing climatic conditions, taking into account the local crops
and current production practices for that particular country or region. Therefore, all those involved in the supply
chain should regularly carry out their own risk assessment to decide the extent of the measures to be taken to
prevent or minimise contamination by Fusarium toxins.

Such assessments are particularly appropriate in relation to the type of crop to be grown, such as wheat or maize.
The routes of infection and dynamics of toxin formation differ from crop to crop and are affected by agronomic
factors. Cropping systems in which maize forms part of the rotation carry a high risk. Wheat and other cereals
grown in these rotations or in close proximity to crops such as maize also need careful management and inspection.

4. The contamination of cereals by Fusarium toxins can be due to multiple factors. Good practices cannot control all
such factors, for example weather conditions. Moreover, not all factors are of equal importance, and there may also
be interactions among these different factors resulting in Fusarium toxin contamination. It is therefore important to
adopt an integrated approach addressing all possible risk factors in a reasoned way. In particular, the accumulation of
various risk factors has to be avoided, given the possible interactions amongst them.

It is also of major importance that experiences gained from previous years with the prevention and formation of
Fusarium fungi and toxins are reported so that they can be used in determining the measures to be taken to prevent
Fusarium formation in the following years.

Procedures should be in place to properly handle, through segregation, reconditioning, recall or redirection of use,
cereal crops that may pose a threat to human and/or animal health.

5. The principles set out below address the key factors for the control of Fusarium toxin contamination in the field. The

most important are: crop rotation, soil management, choice of variety or hybrid and correct fungicide use.

RISK FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (GAP)

CROP ROTATION

6. Crop rotation is generally an effective way of reducing the risk of contamination depending on the fungal strain and
crop variety. It is very effective in reducing contamination for winter cereals in particular. Crops other than grass
which are not hosts to Fusarium species that affect cereals, such as potatoes, sugar beet, clover, alfalfa or vegetables,
should be used in rotation to reduce the inoculum in the field. The planting of consecutive crops of small grain
cereals, such as wheat, should only be considered after an assessment of the risks of Fusarium infection has been
undertaken.

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The significant interaction found between the previous crop and soil management has indicated the importance of
host crop debris in the life-cycle of Fusarium head blight pathogens. When wheat crops were grown following a crop,
which is susceptible to Fusarium spp. such as maize or cereals, levels of DON were higher. Particularly high DON
concentrations were found where maize was the previous crop, since it is an alternative host for Fusarium grami-
nearum, which is known to be a potent DON producer. However, DON levels were significantly lower in wheat crops
following a Fusarium susceptible crop where ploughing was practised, in comparison to wheat crops following a
susceptible crop but with minimum cultivation.

CHOICE OF VARIETY/HYBRID

7. Choose the hybrids or varieties most suitable for the soil and climatic conditions and the agronomic practices
normally used. This will reduce plant stress, making the crop less susceptible to fungal infection. Only varieties
recommended for use in a Member State or particular area within a Member State should be planted in that
particular area. Where they are available, grow seed varieties developed for resistance to seed-infecting fungi and
insect pests. The choice of variety for its tolerance to Fusarium infection should also be based on the infection risk.

CROP PLANNING

8. As far as practical, cropping should be planned to avoid climatic conditions that extend ripening in the field before

harvest. Drought stress also has to be considered as a risk factor for Fusarium infection.

9. Avoid overcrowding of plants by maintaining the recommended row and intra-plant spacing for the species/varieties

grown. Information on plant spacing may be provided by seed companies.

SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT

10. Cultivation must pay due regard to the risks of erosion and to good land management. Any practice resulting in the
removal, destruction or burial of infected crop residues, such as ploughing, is likely to reduce the Fusarium inoculum
for the following crop. The soil should be cultivated to leave a rough surface or coarse seed bed to encourage the
infiltration of water and minimise the risk of erosion of soil and associated nutrients.
If ploughing is being
considered, the optimum time for it in the rotation would be between two Fusarium susceptible crops. Please also
refer to point 7.

11. Whenever possible and practical, prepare the seed bed for each new crop by ploughing under or removing old seed
heads, stalks, and other harvest residues that may have served, or may potentially serve, as substrates for the growth
of mycotoxin-producing fungi. In areas that are vulnerable to erosion, conservation tillage practices may be required
in the interest of soil conservation. In the latter case, particular attention needs to be paid to the management of
harvest residues that could be the source of possible contamination of the following crop by Fusarium fungi: these
harvest residues should be ground as finely as possible during or following the harvest of the preceding crop and
incorporated into the soil so as to facilitate their decomposition (mulching).

12. Plant stress should be avoided where possible. Stress can be caused by many factors, including drought, cold, nutrient
deficiencies and adverse reaction to materials applied to the crop. In taking steps to avoid plant stress, for example
the use of irrigation, steps should be taken to minimise the subsequent risk of fungal infection, e.g. by avoiding spray
irrigation during anthesis. Irrigation is a valuable method of reducing plant stress in some growing situations. An
optimised nutrient supply is essential to avoid weakness, which can promote Fusarium infection, but also to decrease
lodging. An area- and plant-specific nutrient supply must be maintained.

13. There is no evidence that insect control has any effect on Fusarium head blight of cereals in general. However, the
control of insects on maize can reduce the incidence of Fusarium ear rot and the resulting fumonisin content of
maize. Fungicide seed treatments are effective against many seed-borne and soil-borne seedling blights and seed rots.
Preventive measures should be used as far as possible to minimise fungal infection and insect damage to the crop
and, if necessary, approved and registered insecticides and fungicides to control toxigenic Fusarium fungi can be used
as recommended by the manufacturers. Where the use of pesticides is inappropriate, other appropriate practices
should be used within an integrated or organic pest management programme. It should be stressed that the timely
application of fungicide is crucial to control fungal infestation and should be based on meteorological information
and/or crop surveys. Infection commonly occurs at flowering, which means that mycotoxins can be produced. If
fungal infection and mycotoxins are subsequently found in the crop, then handling, mixing and use of the grain
needs to reflect this.

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14. Fusarium species have been isolated from a wide range of grasses and broad-leaved weed species and a high weed
density has been shown to result in increased infection by Fusarium. Weeds in the crop should be controlled by
mechanical methods or by the use of registered herbicides or other safe and suitable weed eradication practices.

15. There are data to indicate that lodging has a significant effect on Fusarium toxin levels in the grain. Therefore, lodged
grain should be avoided at harvest, especially if it is wet and the first signs of sprouting are visible. Avoid the lodging
of crops by adjusting seed rates, the rational use of fertilizers and the application of plant growth regulators where
appropriate. Excessive stem shortening is to be avoided.

HARVESTING

16. If possible, identify high risk situations using weather and disease monitoring services. Assess the quality of the grain
before harvest, taking into account the limitations of representative sampling and quick analysis on site. Where
possible, segregate parcels of grain, such as lodged grain, that are known or suspected to have high levels of Fusarium
infection. If practicable, segregate grain on the basis of both market quality requirements, such as for bread making
or for animal feed, and ex-field quality such as lodged, damp, clean or dry.

17. Whenever possible, harvest grain at the appropriate moisture content. Delayed harvesting of grain already infected by
Fusarium species may cause a significant increase in the mycotoxin content of the crop. Ensure that procedures such
as the timely availability of crop-drying resources are in place in case the crop cannot be harvested at the ideal
moisture content.

18. Before harvest time, make sure that all equipment and facilities to be used for the harvesting and storage of crops are
functional. A breakdown during this critical period may cause grain quality losses and enhance mycotoxin formation.
Keep important spare parts available on the farm to minimise time lost due to repairs. Make sure that the equipment
needed for moisture content measurements is available and calibrated.

19. As far as possible, avoid mechanical damage to the grain and avoid contact with soil during harvesting. Small,
shrivelled grain may contain higher amounts of mycotoxins than healthy normal grain. Removal of shrivelled grain
by correct setting of the combine or cleaning after harvest to remove damaged kernels and other foreign matter may
help reduce mycotoxin levels. While some seed cleaning procedures, such as gravity tables, may remove some
infected kernels, kernels with symptomless infections cannot be removed by standard cleaning methods.

DRYING

20. Either at harvest or immediately afterwards, determine the moisture levels of the crop. Samples taken for moisture
measurements should be as representative as possible. If necessary, dry the crop as soon as possible to the moisture
content recommended for the storage of that crop. When harvesting wet grains that have to be dried, as is the case
with maize in particular, the period between harvesting and drying should be minimised. In such cases, therefore, the
harvest has to be planned according to the capacity of the dryers.

21. Cereals should be dried in such a manner that moisture levels are lower than those required to support mould
growth during storage. A water activity of less than 0,65 corresponds generally to a moisture content of less than
15 %. More specific guidance on moisture levels should be provided in national codes, taking into account local
storage conditions. This is necessary to prevent the growth of a number of fungal species that may be present on
fresh grains.

22. Where damp cereals need to be stored before drying, there is a risk of mould growth within a few days, which may
be accompanied by heating. Cereals should be dried in such a manner that damage to the grain is minimised. The
time period that wet, freshly harvested grain is kept piled or heaped prior to drying or cleaning should be as brief as
possible to lessen the risk of fungal growth. Aerate wet grain to avoid overheating prior to drying. Where practical,
cereal lots with different risks of contamination should not be mixed.

23. To reduce the variation of moisture content within a lot, the grain may be moved to another facility, or silo, after

drying.

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STORAGE

24. For bagged commodities, ensure that bags are clean, dry and stacked on pallets or incorporate a water-impermeable

layer between the bags and the floor.

25. Where possible, aerate the grain by circulation of air through the storage area to maintain proper and uniform
temperature levels throughout the storage area. Check moisture content and temperature of the stored grain at
regular intervals during the storage period. Odour can indicate that grain is heating, particularly if the store is
enclosed.

26. Measure the temperature of the stored grain at several fixed time intervals during storage. A temperature rise may
indicate microbial growth and/or insect infestation. Separate the apparently infected portions of the grain and send
samples for analysis. After separation, lower the temperature in the remaining grain and aerate. Avoid using infected
grain for food or feed production.

27. Use good housekeeping procedures to minimise the presence of insects and fungi in storage facilities. This may
include the use of suitable, registered insecticides and fungicides or appropriate alternative methods. Care should be
taken to select only those chemicals that will not interfere or cause harm, depending on the intended end use of the
grain, and should be strictly limited.

28. The use of a suitable, approved preservative, for example an organic acid such as propionic acid, may be beneficial
for cereals intended for feedstuffs. Propionic acid and its salts are fungistatic and are sometimes used for preserving
damp grain on-farm after harvest to avoid heating and moulding prior to treatment. They should be applied
promptly with appropriate application equipment to provide even coverage of the whole batch of grain being
treated while ensuring good operator safety. If the grain has been treated after a period of damp storage, the use
of a preservative is not a guarantee of uncontaminated grain.

TRANSPORT FROM STORAGE

29. Transport containers should be dry and free of visible fungal growth, insects and any contaminated material. As
necessary, transport containers should be cleaned and disinfected before use and re-use and be suitable for the
intended cargo. Registered fumigants or insecticides may be useful here. Upon unloading, the transport container
should be emptied of all cargo and cleaned as appropriate.

30. Shipments of grain should be protected from additional moisture by using covered or airtight containers or
tarpaulins. Avoid temperature fluctuations and any actions that may cause condensation to form on the grain,
which could lead to local moisture build-up with subsequent fungal growth and mycotoxin formation.

31. Avoid insect, bird and rodent infestation during transport by the use of insect- and rodent-proof containers and other
if necessary, by applying insect- and rodent-repellent chemical treatments if they are

appropriate methods and,
approved for the intended end use of the grain.