Multi-mycotoxin contamination is intensifying across the global feed supply chain, raising new concerns for aquaculture and fish farming operations worldwide.
New findings from dsm-firmenich show that 83% of feed samples collected between January and March 2026 contained ten or more mycotoxins, underlining growing risks to aquaculture production, feed supply resilience and animal performance.
“These latest findings once again highlight the widespread and persistent nature of mycotoxin contamination in feed ingredients across the globe,” said Ursula Hofstetter, head of mycotoxin risk management at dsm-firmenich.
She added that “proactive risk management and regular monitoring are more important than ever to maintain the profitability of both the feed industry and animal protein production sectors.”
Widespread issue
The World Mycotoxin Survey analysed 4,465 samples from 66 countries and identified an average of 21 mycotoxins and metabolites per sample.
It found Fusarium toxins dominated globally, with nine out of ten samples contaminated, while North America’s aquaculture and livestock sectors faced “extreme to high risk” exposure to B-Trichos, fumonisins and zearalenone.
In Central and South America, fumonisin contamination averaged 2,411 ppb, while South Asia continued to report high to extreme risk levels for aflatoxins, fumonisins and other toxins affecting feed safety and fish farming productivity.
The survey highlighted increasing pressure on feed manufacturers and aquaculture operators to strengthen monitoring and mitigation strategies as contamination patterns become more complex.
dsm-firmenich said going forward, comprehensive multi-analyte testing would be essential to protect feed supply chains, animal welfare and long-term food security as global aquaculture production continues to expand.
