In a series of feed mill visits, panel discussions and a seminar presentation, Dr Lakshmikantha Channaiah from Kansas State University’s Grain Toxicology Laboratory updated Taiwanese attendees on mycotoxins in the feed industry, mycotoxin prevention and control, and the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) differing procedures for handling aflatoxin, vomitoxin (DON), and fumonisin outbreaks.

"Dr Channaiah helped clarify especially the difference between FDA’s action levels for aflatoxin compared to its advisory levels and guidance for vomitoxin and fumonisin," said Mr Chang.

Mr Chang noted especially Channaiah’s emphasis on practical mycotoxin standards: "It is important to have the correct information and understand that making standards too strict will create problems,” he said. "His update on the market situation and mycotoxin issues will help Taiwanese feed mill technicians, researchers, government officials, and livestock and poultry producers with these issues.

"With this information, they will be more cautious in considering the establishment of national standards for mycotoxins in grain."