Detecting mycotoxins boosts sustainability

They occur naturally in warm and moist conditions but can be particularly problematic in grains that are not properly stored or managed, so the risks of a changing climate are clear.

Lab technician Radhika uses an artificially intelligent NIRS tool to test the validity of samples of oregano.

Getting a handle on mycotoxins and feed contaminants is already helping to give Ireland an edge in reducing its agricultural emissions.

Food Fortress, a sampling and testing programme covering around 80% of the island’s livestock feed, was established in the wake of the 2008 Dioxin crisis, which saw contaminants in livestock feed make their way into Irish pork.