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There are legal limits for fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) in wheat intended for human consumption and guidance limits for feed grain. The owner (farmer, merchant or processor) is legally obliged to ensure grain is safe for human consumption.

Both acute and chronic toxicity due to ingestion of DON are reported. The acute syndrome is characterized by gastrointestinal signs such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia. The most frequent clinical signs of a chronic exposure to DON are weight loss and anorexia [92].

Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins range from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly called vomitoxin, is produced by several molds of the genus Fusarium, especially F. graminearum, which causes pink scab disease in wheat. It is not possible to completely avoid the presence of DON in wheat.

Zearalenone (ZON) If levels in the grain exceed the legal or contractual maximum, the grain is rejected. Additionally, a monitoring project is run by the AHDB which examines levels in grain as they are delivered throughout the season.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established advisory levels for DON in finished wheat products for human consumption and grain and grain by-products used for animal feed. The advisory level of DON for finished wheat products intended for human consumption (i.e., flour) is 1 ppm (part per million, or mg/kg).

Zearalenone (ZON) If levels in the grain exceed the legal or contractual maximum, the grain is rejected. Additionally, a monitoring project is run by the AHDB which examines levels in grain as they are delivered throughout the season.