ZON
Zearalenone (ZON) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungi Fusarium graminearum, which produces Fusarium head blight in wheat. Fusarium head blight occurs because of moisture during flowering and is associated with timing of rainfall rather than the amount. The presence of elevated levels of ZON is particularly associated with rainfall at harvest leading to significant delays in harvesting and warm moist conditions for fungal growth.
Legal limits are established for the presence of ZON in grain, as follows:
UK Legal ZON Limits in Grain Intended for Human Consumption
| ZON (ppb) | |
|---|---|
| Unprocessed common wheat and barley | 100 |
| Unprocessed durum wheat and oats | 100 |
| Flour | 75 |
| Finished products | 50 |
| Infant food | 20 |
EU Guidance Values for ZON in Grain Intended for Animal Feedstuffs
| ZON 9ppb) | |
|---|---|
| Feed Grains | 2000 |
| Complete feedstuffs for pigs | 250 (100*) |
| Complete feedstuffs for calves, lambs and kids | 500 |
* Applies to feed intended for piglets and gilts
The presence of ZON in UK crops is normally low; HGCA undertakes a monitoring programme to check levels and assist the cereals chain in developing an appropriate annual risk management strategy.
