Assessment of multiple mycotoxins in breakfast cereals available in the Portuguese market

- Breakfast cereals from Portuguese market revealed a high incidence of mycotoxins.
- None of the analysed samples presented contents above the maximum legislated limits.
- Different mycotoxins (two to seven) occurred simultaneously in breakfast cereals.
- Twenty-two different combinations of mycotoxins were detected in breakfast cereals.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that cause toxic and carcinogenic effects. Human exposure to multiple mycotoxins constitutes an increasing health concern due to potential mycotoxins combined effects. The presence of mycotoxins mixtures in foodstuffs as cereals has been reported over the last years, but few studies are available concerning its occurrence in cereals primarily marketed for children, a particular vulnerable population group. The present study aims to assess the co-occurrence of twenty-one mycotoxins and metabolites present in breakfast cereals primarily marketed for children in Portugal. Results showed that 96% of the analysed breakfast cereal samples were contaminated with several mycotoxins. Twenty-two combinations were identified including two to seven different mycotoxins. Conclusions pointed out an urgent need to review legislative limits in food matrices consumed by children and to perform a more accurate risk assessment of children's exposure to mycotoxins mixtures in food.