Description
Zearalenone ELISA Ordering Information
| Cat Code. | Method | Assay Time | Limit of Detection (LoD) | Cross Reactivity |
| BXEFT19A | ELISA 96T | 20mins | Cereals/Feed: 10pb (wheat based); 20ppb (maize based) DDGS: 10ppb |
Zearalenone 100%; α-zearalenol 62%; Zearalenone 24%; α-zearalenol 10 % β-zearalenol 8%; β-zearalenol 5% |
Zearalenone, a macrocyclic β-resorcyclic acid lactone, is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced as a secondary metabolite by various species of Fusarium. Contamination is commonly found in agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, barley, oats, and other cereal-based food products, particularly under conditions that favour fungal growth during cultivation, harvest, or storage.
With increasing awareness of endocrine disruptors and their potential impact on human health, the monitoring of zearalenone in food and feed has become a critical component of modern food safety programmes. This compound structurally resembles 17β-estradiol, the primary estrogen hormone in humans, allowing it to bind to estrogen receptors in mammalian cells. As a result, it can interfere with normal hormonal signalling pathways, potentially disrupting reproductive function and other physiological processes.
Exposure to zearalenone has been associated with reproductive disorders, particularly in livestock, where it may cause infertility, reduced fertility rates, and other estrogenic effects. In humans, long-term exposure is a growing concern, especially through the consumption of contaminated cereals and derived products. This has led to stricter regulatory controls and the establishment of maximum permissible levels in many regions worldwide.
Reliable detection and quantification of zearalenone are therefore essential to ensure food safety and protect public health. Advanced analytical techniques, including immunoassays and chromatographic methods, enable accurate monitoring across a range of food matrices. Routine testing supports early identification of contamination, allowing producers and laboratories to take corrective action before products enter the food chain.
By implementing robust monitoring strategies and adhering to regulatory guidelines, the risks associated with zearalenone contamination can be effectively managed, ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of cereal-based food products in global markets.
