Ergot alkaloid dosage

Ergot alkaloids are a group of mycotoxins produced naturally by fungi of the genus Claviceps , including Claviceps purpurea , which infect grasses such as rye, barley, or wheat. These toxic compounds can cause serious disorders in humans and animals, affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems and causing hallucinogenic or gangrenous effects in cases of prolonged exposure.

The determination of ergot alkaloids is an essential analysis in the cereal, food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition sectors. This analysis allows the detection and quantification of the presence of these toxins in batches of raw materials or processed products to ensure regulatory compliance and consumer safety.

Why measure ergot alkaloids?

European regulations set strict limits for ergot alkaloids in foodstuffs intended for human and animal consumption. Since EU Regulation 2021/1399, monitoring has been strengthened, with specific thresholds depending on the type of product: raw cereals, bakery products, flours, or supplements.

The dosage is therefore essential for:

• Quality control of agricultural raw materials (rye, triticale, oats, etc.)
• The release of batches of flour or processed cereal products
• Compliance of plant or nutraceutical formulations containing cereal-based extracts
• Prevention of health risks in human and animal food
• Monitoring fungal contamination during harvest or storage

Proposed analytical techniques

YesWeLab offers two reference methods, adapted to regulatory requirements and the required detection thresholds:

• HPLC coupled with a UV or fluorimetric detector: standardized method for simple matrices.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry): high sensitivity method, allowing the simultaneous detection of the main ergot alkaloids (ergocristine, ergocryptine, ergometrine, etc.) at levels below µg/kg, in compliance with European thresholds.

YesWeLab's partner laboratories use protocols validated according to EFSA recommendations and Food Codex guidelines.

Affected matrices

• Rye, oats, barley, wheat
• Whole grains, flours, bran
• Compound feed for animals
• Plant extracts based on grasses
• Nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic products containing cereal raw materials

Sectors concerned

This analysis is particularly requested by:

• Grain mills and processors
• Food industry manufacturers (bakery products, specialized nutrition)
• Manufacturers of food supplements or plant extracts
• Animal feed suppliers
• Quality control laboratories and distributors

Further analyses recommended

As part of a comprehensive health and safety approach, YesWeLab recommends combining the dosage of ergot alkaloids with other analyses targeting contaminants or active compounds in plant matrices:

• Aflatoxin B1 determination – for monitoring mycotoxins in flours and cereals
• Determination of zearalenone – a common mycotoxin in corn
• Determination of residual pesticides – multi-residue LC-MS/MS method
• Phytic acid (phytate) determination – indicator of nutritional quality of flours

Why choose YesWeLab for this analysis?

YesWeLab allows you to centralize your analytical needs via a simple and fast digital platform. We connect you with a network of ISO 17025 / COFRAC accredited laboratories, selected for their technical expertise and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Our scientific team supports you in:

• The choice of analytical techniques according to the matrix
• Sample management, from collection to logistics
• Interpretation of results and compliance with regulatory thresholds
• Processing responsiveness to quickly release your products

Need an ergot alkaloid dosage?

Add this analysis to your quote or contact our scientific team to benefit from personalized support and a tailor-made analytical solution.