Deoxynivalenol in selected foods

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a natural toxin that can contaminate grains and fruit. A targeted survey of 3,630 food samples showed twenty-three per cent of the samples tested did not contain detectable levels of this natural toxin. Samples in the survey included dried fruit and soy products, infant cereals and formula, and various grain products. Health Canada determined that the levels of DON detected on samples in this survey did not pose a health risk; therefore, no follow up activities were required.