Global mycotoxin risk escalates sharply: new dsm‑firmenich report

GLOBAL – dsm‑firmenich released data from the 2025 World Mycotoxin Survey, revealing a significant increase in the risk of mycotoxin contamination across global animal feed markets, with more regions shifting into extreme‑risk categories compared to 2024.

In its December 2025 analysis of 25,626 feed samples from 95 countries, dsm‑firmenich found that all six major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, zearalenone/ZEN, vomitoxin/DON, fumonisins, T‑2 toxin, and ochratoxin A, showed higher contamination rates and average concentrations than in 2024.

The survey’s risk maps show expanded extreme‑risk classifications in North & Central America, South Asia, and parts of Europe, regions that were previously in lower categories, indicating a meaningful shift year‑on‑year, though exact percentage-point changes were not publicly released in summary form.

“The 2025 results show a continued mycotoxin challenge, with contamination rates rising for both aflatoxins and zearalenone, and average levels increasing across all major mycotoxins,” says Ursula Hofstetter, head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich.

Region-specific findings underscore the severity of the trend: in North America, DON and ZEN contamination reached 83% in 2025, up 5–10% from 2024. In South Asia, aflatoxins were detected in 85% of samples, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, in Central and South America, fumonisin levels averaged around 2,000 ppb, an increase of 600–800 ppb, well above the 2024 risk threshold of 500 ppb.

Impact

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that grow on crops in the field or during poor storage, including molds in cereals, oilseeds, and other feed ingredients. Favourable conditions, such as high humidity and temperature, allow these toxins to accumulate and enter the food chain.

They pose serious risks to both animals and humans. In livestock, contaminated feed can reduce growth, impair reproduction, disrupt digestion, and weaken immunity. In humans, some mycotoxins can cause organ damage or even cancer if they enter the diet through contaminated food.

For farmers and feed businesses, rising mycotoxin levels mean weaker livestock, higher costs, and broader food safety concerns. Beyond feed, they also threaten livestock productivity, animal welfare, and food security. The problem is compounded when multiple toxins occur together, amplifying health impacts and making mitigation more difficult.

Management 

Since 2004, dsm‑firmenich has annually analysed thousands of feed samples from around the world, building long-term trend data and mapping global mycotoxin risks.

Its survey leverages advanced analytical technologies, including LC‑MS/MS, Spectrum 380®, and Spectrum Top® 50, to detect a wide range of mycotoxins and their metabolites with high sensitivity. This makes it one of the largest and longest-running datasets on mycotoxin prevalence worldwide.

To manage rising contamination risks, dsm‑firmenich and industry stakeholders recommend frequent testing, regional risk assessments, and multi-strategy mitigation approaches, such as mycotoxin binders, improved storage, and fungal prevention measures.

In 2025, dsm‑firmenich expanded its efforts with a state-of-the-art feed additive production plant in India, producing mycotoxin management products like Mycofix® Secure and Mycofix® Shield. 

These solutions help counter the effects of multiple mycotoxins in animal feeds, enhancing both feed safety and livestock performance. Even though dsm‑firmenich sold its Animal Nutrition & Health arm, it continues to advance technology-led detection and risk management.

This report matters because it highlights a structural shift in food chain risks driven by climate and agricultural patterns, offering early warnings that affect feed producers, livestock farmers, and the safety and sustainability of the global food supply.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.