Occurrence and bioacessibility of mycotoxins in fish feed

In this study Aflatoxin B-1(AFB(1)), ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN) occurrence in fish feed, regarding its chemical composition, were investigated. Besides, AFB(1)bioaccessibility to fish was evaluated by in vitro digestion. Mycotoxins were extracted by QuEChERS and quantified by HPLC-FLD. Results showed that 93.3% of the samples were contaminated at maximum levels of 16.5, 31.6, and 322 mu g/kg in the cases of AFB(1), OTA, and ZEN, respectively. A positive correlation between OTA, ZEN contamination, and lipid content was observed. Risk estimation of feed consumption by fish at the highest levels of AFB(1), OTA, and ZEN shows that the younger the fish, the higher the risk of exposure to mycotoxins. The AFB(1)bioaccessibility assay showed that 85% of this mycotoxin may be absorbed by fish. Therefore, establishing maximum levels in the fishing sector is fundamental to contribute to feed quality and nutritional safety of fish species.