Comprehensive overview: QuEChERS methods for mycotoxin determination in different matrices

To ensure human health, mycotoxins in food should be evaluated regularly. Matrix effects (MEs), ultra-trace analysis, and multi-component analysis are major challenges for mycotoxins analysis. The complex nature of sample matrices impedes the accurate detection of multi-mycotoxins, complicating regulatory enforcement. Although widely employed for mycotoxin analysis due to its high sensitivity and broad polarity compatibility, LC-MS/MS is significantly limited by severe MEs. Consequently, robust and highly selective sample clean-up procedures are essential for the analysis of multi-mycotoxins in complex matrices. The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method has been used for the detection of mycotoxins in food due to its advantages of simplicity, high throughput, appreciable recoveries, and green sample preparation. Modified QuEChERS methods have emerged, introducing modifications to both the extraction and clean-up phases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest research advancements within this domain. The systematic literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases from 2015 to 2025. Keywords included 'QuEChERS', 'mycotoxin', 'extraction', 'cleanup', and related terms. Only articles that reported validated methods and real sample analysis were included. Specifically, this review systematically reviewed salting-out and extraction methods for multi-mycotoxins across diverse matrices and predicted removal efficiency of different extraction techniques for interfering substances with varying properties. Furthermore, it summarises the development of both traditional sorbents and advanced nanomaterials in modified QuEChERS approaches. Drawing on improvements in QuEChERS methods for contaminants such as pesticides and plant hormones, future perspectives for mycotoxin analysis are provided.