First prototype for tenuazonic acid from the EU-funded ProFit project

Together with the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, we have reached an important milestone: With the new mycoProfile Storage 3, aflatoxins (AFL), ochratoxin A (OTA), and now tenuazonic acid (TEA) can be measured simultaneously for the first time, using an antibody we developed ourselves. TEA is produced by Alternaria fungi and is one of the most important Alternaria mycotoxins. It is found particularly in bell peppers, nuts, and dried figs, often alongside AFL and OTA. The combined analysis therefore enables significantly more efficient monitoring of potentially contaminated raw materials and food products. Tenuazonic acid is considered one of the most significant markers of Alternaria contamination and, due to its potential health implications, is increasingly the focus of research and consumer protection efforts. Although no legal maximum levels currently exist, the EU has already published guideline values for various food groups.

Current quantification limits of the prototype ♦ AFL: 0.9 µg/kg ♦ OTA: 1.2 µg/kg ♦ TEA: 15 µg/kg (pending validation)

With the integration of TEA, we are expanding mycotoxin analysis to include an important marker for detecting Alternaria contamination and laying the groundwork for an even more comprehensive risk assessment throughout the food chain. We look forward to the next steps in development and to putting this innovation into practice soon.

Would you like to learn more about mycoProfile Storage 3 or discuss potential applications? Please feel free to contact us directly—we look forward to hearing from you.