DSM-FIRMENICH WORLD MYCOTOXIN SURVEY REVEALS ESCALATING GLOBAL RISK

dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey reveals escalating global risk – 82% of samples contain multiple mycotoxins. dsm-firmenich has released the results of its World Mycotoxin Survey covering January to September 2025, the most comprehensive global assessment of mycotoxin prevalence and risk to date.

With 19,051 samples analysed and 105,079 single analyses conducted across 85+ countries, the report delivers critical insights into contamination levels, co-occurrence patterns, and regional risk profiles. Whether in feed production, animal nutrition, or food safety, these findings equip professionals with the data needed to safeguard animal health and product integrity.

This Q3 report includes:

• Global Risk Mapping: Visualise contamination levels by region, toxin type, and commodity.
• Detailed Toxin Profiles: Includes Afla, ZEN, DON, T-2, FUM, OTA, and over 800 metabolites via Spectrum 380®.
• Advanced Analytical Methods: Learn how LC-MS/MS and Spectrum Top® 50 are setting new standards in detection.
• Species-Specific Risk Indicators: Understand how different mycotoxins impact various animal species.
• Year-over-Year Comparisons: Track trends and emerging threats with side-by-side 2024 vs. 2025 data.

 Key Highlights:

• North America: Livestock faces severe mycotoxin risk with 84% total risk
• DON: 73% occurrence

• ZEN: 79% occurrence
• Central & South America:FUM contamination averages 1,800 ppb
•  ZEN hits 94% occurrence in Central America
• South Asia & China/Taiwan:Aflatoxins detected in 85% of South Asian samples
• China/Taiwan: DON found in 93% of samples
• East Asia: FUM dominates with 97% occurrence
• Europe:Central Europe: DON at 76%

• Southern Europe: Aflatoxins (44%) and ZEN (60%) pose significant threats

82% of all samples contained more than one mycotoxin, a growing concern for global feed safety.

Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich, stated:

“The 2025 results reveal a worrying escalation in both mycotoxin prevalence and co-contamination worldwide. With over 80% of samples containing multiple toxins, the risks to animal health, productivity, and welfare are intensifying. These insights reinforce the urgent need for continuous monitoring, advanced detection, and effective mitigation strategies to protect livestock and ensure a safe global food supply chain.”

About the Survey  

Each year since 2004, dsm-firmenich has analysed a large number of feed samples from all around the world to understand and monitor contamination levels of the different mycotoxins in a variety of feed ingredients. This information is shared in the annual dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey.  

Mycotoxins are naturally produced by the fungi that can contaminate feed raw materials in the field and during storage. When ingested by animals, mycotoxins have a wide range of negative effects such as impaired reproduction, digestive disorders, carcinogenicity, and reduced performance.

To download to the dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey from January to March 2024, follow the link here. 

Image:  ©Fish Focus