Managing the risk of ergot alkaloids
Given the health risks posed by ergot alkaloids, increased vigilance is required. The cereal industry is fully aware of this: harvesting and storage stages play a decisive role in preventing this contamination.
Phytocontrol supports its clients with expertise, offering tailored advice and targeted analyses to ensure reliable and precise detection of ergot alkaloids in cereal products.
Alkaloids are secondary metabolites naturally present in certain plants, which can be toxic to humans. There are different types, notably ergot alkaloids, datura alkaloids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, as well as piperine, chaconine and solanine.
Understanding ergot alkaloids
Ergot alkaloids are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi of the genus Claviceps, notably Claviceps purpurea. These fungi parasitise cereals such as rye, wheat, barley, oats and spelt. During infection, the fungus replaces the grain with a black sclerotium containing natural toxins: the alkaloids.
Ergot alkaloids are potent and can have serious effects on human health. They interfere with the central nervous system and blood circulation. Excessive consumption can cause ergotism, characterised by digestive disorders, muscle spasms, hallucinations, and even necrosis of the extremities due to severe vasoconstriction.
Stricter regulation: EU Regulation 2024/1808
In order to better manage the risks associated with the presence of ergot alkaloids in food, the European Union has published Regulation (EU) 2024/1808, amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915. This regulation came into force on 22 July 2024, just a year ago.
Here are the main changes to note:
- Barley, spelt and oat milling products (ash content < 900 mg/100 g dry matter): Limit of 50 µg/kg applicable since 01/07/2024.
- Wheat milling products (ash content < 900 mg/100 g dry matter): Transitional limit of 100 µg/kg until 30/06/2028, followed by a final limit of 50 µg/kg from 01/07/2028.
- Rye milling products and rye placed on the market for the final consumer: Transitional limit of 500 µg/kg until 30/06/2028, then reduced to 250 µg/kg from 01/07/2028.
Please note: foodstuffs legally placed on the market before these dates may remain on sale until their minimum durability date or use-by date.
The Phytocontrol solution
To support producers, processors and manufacturers in the cereal industry in the face of upcoming European regulatory requirements on ergot alkaloids, Phytocontrol laboratory offers a dedicated quantification method by HPLC-MS/MS. This method achieves lower limits of quantification, around 2 µg/kg, while maintaining fast turnaround times of 3 to 5 days.
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