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 .

Zearalenone testing allows 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 , EFSA and international health authorities .

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

Affected matrices

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform zearalenone assays on:

• Cereals and raw grains (maize, wheat, barley, oats, rice)
• Flours, breads, biscuits and related products
• Compound feed for animals
• 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 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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