The reduction of mycotoxins from liquid food and feed ingredients is crucial for ensuring safety and quality. Here are some of the best practical industrial methods used for this purpose:
Adsorption Filtration: This method involves using specific adsorbents like activated carbon, clay minerals (such as bentonite), or diatomaceous earth that can bind to mycotoxins, effectively removing them from the liquid.
Chemical Deactivation: Certain chemicals can be added to liquid food or feed to chemically modify mycotoxins, rendering them non-toxic. For example, ammoniation and oxidizing agents like ozone can be used to detoxify specific mycotoxins.
Heat Treatment: Some mycotoxins are sensitive to heat. Applying controlled heat treatments, such as pasteurization or boiling, can reduce the levels of specific mycotoxins in liquid products, although this may not be effective for all types.
Ultrafiltration and Nanofiltration: These membrane filtration techniques can separate mycotoxins from liquid foods and feeds based on size and molecular weight, effectively reducing contamination.
Biological Methods: The use of specific strains of bacteria or yeasts that can degrade mycotoxins is an emerging area of research. Implementing fermentation processes can help in reducing mycotoxin levels in some liquid foods.
Prevention and Quality Control: Implementing good agricultural practices, proper storage conditions, and regular testing of raw materials can help prevent mycotoxin contamination from the outset.
Enzymatic Treatment: Enzymes that specifically target mycotoxins can be added to degrade them. For instance, enzymes like laccase or certain proteases may offer effective degradation of specific mycotoxins.
Each method has its advantages and limitations, and often a combination of these strategies may be employed to achieve the best results in reducing mycotoxins in liquid food and feed ingredients. It’s essential to tailor the approach based on the specific type of mycotoxin present and the characteristics of the food or feed product.