The Deoxynivalenol Challenge

This perspective examines four of the primary challenges that the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) presents to farmers, producers, and consumers. DON is one of the big five agriculturally important mycotoxins, resulting from Fusarium infection on grains, such as maize, barley, and wheat. In many countries, such as Canada, DON is the mycotoxin of principal concern because it can lead to major economic losses and stresses on food and feed security. The challenges discussed here include (1) understanding the different toxin profiles of Fusarium graminearum chemotypes/genotypes and the fate of these toxins upon interaction with the host crop, (2) the need for rapid analytical tests to measure DON and any masked or modified toxins in food and feed products, (3) DON exposure assessments in human populations to ensure health and safety, and (4) how contaminated food and feed products can be managed throughout the supply chain system. Despite decades of research, we are continuously learning new knowledge about DON and how best to manage it; however, there is still much work to be done. DON poses a very complex challenge that is being further exacerbated by climate change, evolving fungal populations, and the increased need for global food security.