Climate change and mycotoxins in feed and food: a challenge for feed and food supply and safety

In recent years, an increased prevalence and a significant year-to-year variation of the presence mycotoxins in feed and food in the European region can be observed. Climate change and extreme weather conditions are considered to be the main cause. The high levels of aflatoxin in the maize harvest 2012 and the high level of Fusarium toxins in the maize harvest 2013 and 2014 have resulted in problems for feed and food supply and safety. The objective of the conference is to provide factual information on:

         The influence of changing weather conditions on the prevalence of mycotoxins in the EU;
         The available crop management measures to prevent or reduce the mycotoxin presence with particular attention to prediction models;
         The possible consequences for animal and public health of the increased prevalence of mycotoxins in feed and food;
         The scientific and socio-economic factors influencing regulations.

In the second part, relevant European stakeholder organisations and regulators will present their views on the challenges to ensure feed and food supply and safety in the event of increased prevalence of mycotoxins in feed and food.