Dosage of zearalenone (ZEA)

Zearalenone (ZEA) (CAS No. 17924-92-4) is a non-steroidal mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium, primarily F. graminearum and F. culmorum. It is frequently found in cereals (maize, wheat, barley, oats, rice) and their derivatives. Due to its estrogenic activity, zearalenone poses a risk to human and animal health, particularly in animal reproduction.

allows Zearalenone testing for the detection and quantification of this toxin in order to ensure food safety and compliance with the maximum regulatory limits defined by Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and its updates.

Analytical methods: HPLC and LC-MS/MS

Zearalenone analysis relies on highly sensitive chromatographic techniques:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : used for the precise quantification of ZEA in food matrices after extraction and purification.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) : reference method for the detection of multiple mycotoxins (ZEA, DON, T-2, HT-2, fumonisins, aflatoxins).

These techniques offer high specificity and sensitivity, with detection limits that comply with European requirements for products intended for human or animal consumption.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Zearalenone dosage is essential in several contexts:

• Human food : control of grains, flours, breads, biscuits and other cereal products.
• Animal nutrition : verification of raw materials (maize, wheat, barley) and compound feeds intended for livestock.
• Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy : securing plant extracts and plant powders.
• Regulatory control and export : compliance with the thresholds set by the European Commission, EFSAand international health authorities.

This analysis can be complemented by the measurement of aflatoxins, fumonisins or deoxynivalenol (DON) for a complete monitoring of mycotoxic risk.

Matrices involved

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform zearalenone assays on:

• Cereals and raw grains (maize, wheat, barley, oats, rice)
• Flours, breads, biscuits and related products
• Compound animal feed
• Plant extracts and plant powders
• Raw materials for nutraceuticals and the agri-food industry

Each protocol is adapted to the analyzed matrix, the applicable regulatory threshold and the purpose of the analysis (quality control, certification, export).

YesWeLab's expertise

At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France, Europe and internationally, accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC, experts in chromatographic and food contaminant analysis.

Our scientific team assists you in choosing analytical methods, selecting the most suitable laboratory , and providing comprehensive tracking of your samples via our digital platform. You benefit from a centralized, fast service that complies with European regulatory requirements.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting agri-food industries, animal feed manufacturers and nutraceutical players in their food safety analyses.

Order a zearalenone (ZEA) analysis

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