Monitoring mycotoxins and detecting ergot alkaloids in cereals: Insights from food industry

Mycotoxins and plant toxins continue to pose a hazard in our food supply. With environmental factors and changing consumer preferences influencing the risk of exposure, the need for reliable, yet scalable analytical methods is paramount to enable continued monitoring.
Join us for an interactive session, as we delve into LC-MS/MS based analytical methodologies developed for the determination of high impact ergot alkaloids in relevant foodstuffs to meet the needs of the food industry. Artificially contaminated samples of rye, oat, wheat, wheat gluten and baby food were extracted comparing three different solvents (acidic, neutral and alkaline) and extraction procedures with different amounts of d-SPE sorbent, to find the best combination of high extraction efficiency and effective clean-up results. Don’t miss your chance to ask our panelists your questions.
Register today to explore:
- Global factors and changing dynamics that may impact the risk and occurrence of contamination from mycotoxins and associated plant toxins.
- Method development and analytical challenges, to meet Commission Regulations (EU) 2023/915 - applicable from 1st July 2024 - to ensure brand protection and consumer safety.
- Considering the quantification of 8 out of 12 regulated compounds by EU (sum of –ine and –inine forms), this approach can be defined as a screening method for a reliable estimation of the risk.
Presenter: Eleonora ROLLO (PhD candidate – Food Safety Researcher, Barilla SpA | University of Parma)
I’m a sporty girl with a deep love for good food and good wine. My curiosity has always pushed me to ask simple but essential questions: What am I eating? How is it made? Is it safe for me? These questions guided my academic path, from Food Science and Technology (Bachelor’s Degree) to Food Safety (Master’s Degree), and finally into a PhD in Barilla Group. Becoming a Food Safety Researcher was a natural choice: it allows me to combine my personal passion for food with the scientific mission of protecting consumers’ health.
Scientific production documented by 1 special issues journals, 7 contributions at national and international conferences and 2 scientific papers.
Presenter: Michele Suman (Food Safety & Authenticity Senior Scientist Research Manager | Adjunct Professor of AgriFood Authenticity, Barilla SpA)
Food Safety & Authenticity Research specialist with over two decades of experience leading innovative research and development within the agri-food sector, with a track record of method development for studying contaminants, adulterants, authenticity markers and their transformation along food processing, pioneering new technologies as well. Expertise in coordinating complex, international funded projects, and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of professionals. Fostering collaboration and advancing the field through innovation with private/public stakeholders.
- Chair of the Italian National Normative Organization (UNI) Food Authenticity Working Group
- Member of Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Working Groups Toxins, Contaminants, Food Authenticity EU Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- Member of ILSI Europe Scientific Advisory Committee & Vice Chair of Food Contaminants Task Force
- Coordinator of Quality-Food Safety Pillar - Italian National Cluster Agrifood Scientific Board
- Co-Chair of Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA) Conference series
Scientific production documented by 6 book chapters, 3 special issues journals & 3 books edited, 195 contributions at national and international conferences and 135 papers in international ISI journals.
