[Developments in research on mycotoxins].

Since the early 1960's attention has been paid to mycotoxins by various disciplines of the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene (RIVM) (Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Toxicology). A major part of the work is carried out at the request of the Chief Medical Office. The activities undertaken on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer concern investigations on the causes of fungal growth and toxin production as well as on the presence of aflatoxin B1 and the analytical possibilities of determining aflatoxin B1 in feeds and aflatoxin M1 in milk. Because of its structural relationship with aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1 is suspected of having carcinogenic properties. In order to be able to do chronic toxicity studies in rats, efforts are being made to synthesize approximately 25 g. of aflatoxin M1 in co-operation with the State University of Utrecht, which was found to be a time-consuming and extremely difficult job. From the point of view of the Chief Veterinary Officer, it is expected that the analytical and toxicological features of aflatoxin M1 will continue to be of interest in the near future.