Assessment of multi-mycotoxin contamination throughout the supply chain of maize-based poultry feed from selected regions of Malaysia by LC-MS/MS

The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of multi-mycotoxin contamination throughout the supply chain of maize-based poultry feed. Different sampling points throughout the feed supply chain were selected from two companies that manufactured the poultry feed. A total of 51 samples, consisting of grain maize and maize-based poultry feeds, were collected. The samples were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the occurrence of multi-mycotoxin. The results revealed that 100% of samples throughout the maize-based poultry feed supply chain were spoiled with more than one mycotoxin. Fumonisin B1 (8.02-1,220 µg/kg) and fumonisin B2 (11.1-1,109 µg/kg) were the main mycotoxins detected at all sampling points throughout the feed supply chain. Zearalenone (ZEA) (6.63-7.50 µg/kg) was also detected in 11.7% (n = 6) (out of a total of 51) samples. As the supply chain progresses, a reduction in mycotoxin contamination was observed. Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2, and T-2 toxin were not detected. The levels of mycotoxins detected throughout the supply chain were below the international regulatory limits, thus indicating the low risk of exposure to mycotoxins in maize-based poultry feed in Malaysia. Nevertheless, due to the presence of multiple ingredients in most food and feed, efforts to understand and address challenges associated with mycotoxins throughout the entire supply chain need to be more holistic to protect public health.