Focus on mycotoxins 47th Mycotoxin Workshop to be held at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
What it's about:
Most people only notice them when they appear as a furry coating on yoghurt or bread: moulds. In fact, these microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Research into them is of great importance for food safety, as some species produce toxic substances, known as mycotoxins, which can be harmful to human health. Which analytical methods can help to better investigate mycotoxins in food, and how can artificial intelligence assist in mycotoxin research in the future? These and other questions will be discussed from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the 47th Mycotoxin Workshop. Together with the Society for Mycotoxin Research (Gesellschaft für Mykotoxinforschung e. V.), the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is organising the 47th Mycotoxin Workshop in Berlin-Marienfelde.
Moulds are found everywhere in nature, and their prevalence cannot be completely avoided in food and feed either. Some species of mould produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful to health even in small amounts. Mycotoxins occur most commonly in oil-rich seeds, nuts, grains, fruit and vegetables, and can also be transferred from contaminated animal feed into food of animal origin, such as dairy produce. Research into mycotoxins therefore plays an important role in ensuring the safety of our food. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment assesses the health risks posed by mycotoxins in food and animal feed.
Over the course of three days, international experts will present their latest work and results. On the first day, the focus will be on analytical methods, as well as the prevalence of and management of mycotoxins in food. Among other things, experiences from Ethiopia and Switzerland will be shared. The impact of climate change on the prevalence of mycotoxins will also be discussed. On the second day, the focus will be on toxicology, data analysis and the domains of artificial intelligence and mycotoxin research. On both days, there will be sessions on biology, ecology and genetics. On the final day of the conference, participants will present research on, amongst other things, the elimination and reduction of mycotoxins. Young researchers will also be given a platform at the conference to present their work.
The non-profit Society for Mycotoxin Research (Gesellschaft für Mykotoxinforschung e. V.) was founded in 1997. Its aim is to promote research across all scientific fields of mycotoxin research. This includes, for example, investigating the influence of mycotoxins on human and animal health, as well as their impact on food and feed safety. The External Link:Society for Mycotoxin Research (Gesellschaft für Mykotoxinforschung e. V.) organises the Mycotoxin Workshop annually at different locations across Europe. The Society currently has members from a total of 20 German federal states (“Laender”).
Journalists are warmly invited to attend. Please register in advance by emailing pressestelle@bfr.bund.de
Further information on mycotoxins
- Mould in foods – health risks and how to avoid them To the FAQ
- Mycotoxins in plant-based drinks (soy, almond and oat) To the opinion
- BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment podcast: Mycotoxins: About mould and mould toxins (in German) External Link: Listen to the podcast episode
- Health Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins in Food To the page