MycotoxinsUpdated 2 months ago
MegaFood does not test for mycotoxins because it has been evaluated and determined not to be a significant hazard in our ingredients. The evaluation of food safety risks, including mycotoxins, is an ongoing part of MegaFood’s food safety system which uses industry best practices.
Mycotoxins are a concern in specific food materials such as whole grains (e.g. wheat, corn), whole apples, and nuts. They exist in situations where the farm level raw material is stored (e.g. large silos) for long periods of time waiting for further processing. In uncontrolled storage (i.e. not temperature controlled) mold is likely to form, and when permitted to sit over long periods of time, there is the potential for mycotoxins to form. Mycotoxins only form in situations where there is extreme rot and decay, long after initial mold growth. Reputable suppliers do not permit these conditions to exist and have virtually eliminated concerns for mycotoxins even in the food segments most susceptible (e.g. whole grains).
MegaFood uses fruit, vegetable, and botanical (herb) powders that are not at risk for mycotoxins and uses system measures to virtually eliminate risk. MegaFood has implemented a food safety system that is based on the principles of HACCP and the preventive control requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (i.e. industry best practices). These measures include:
Selection of ingredients through a robust risk assessment process
Strict supplier qualification process
Hazards analysis to identify any significant hazards
Control points and prerequisite programs that prevent conditions that could create a significant hazard such as:
Water activity (low moisture expectation) and micro specifications for ingredients
Pasteurization processes (thermal kill) where applicable for certain ingredients
Testing of ingredients upon receipt to verify specification compliance
Verification by inspection of trailers of sanitary transportation of ingredients
MegaFood takes pride in continuously improving its food safety system and mycotoxins are a potential risk that is evaluated as new ingredients or suppliers are considered.