SecureFeed recently received reports of excessive levels of aflatoxin B1 in Compound feed. The nature and extent of the product flows have now been identified. SecureFeed and the participant concerned took swift action to prevent the problem from spreading further.
SecureFeed assessed the situation with the participant concerned. The livestock farmers involved (497, mostly dairy farmers) and chain parties have been informed. (Animal) feed has been blocked and will be returned to the concerned animal feed company. As a precaution, SecureFeed participants have been asked to be extra vigilant when processing French maize (Harvest year 2025), which in this case was used as a raw material in the feed, in feed intended for dairy cattle. Furthermore, all relevant authorities have been informed about the nature and scope of the issue so that they too can take the necessary measures.
Standard, additional checks
The SecureFeed participant detected the exceedance during the additional checks on finished feed for dairy cattle, which are mandatory at SecureFeed. Tracking and tracing led to a shipment of maize from France as the source, which met the standard in the original analysis results. The shipment of maize was processed into feed for dairy cattle, with excessive concentrations found in some feeds. All this feed has been blocked and will be recalled.
Important point of attention
The possible presence of excessive levels of Aflatoxin B1 is an important point of attention in the risk management of SecureFeed and its participants. It is taken into account when determining the risk profile of (animal) feed (raw materials). It is part of the regular monitoring programme for undesirable levels of contaminants. SecureFeed reports the results of the monitoring to its participants, including notifications of (excessively) high levels of Aflatoxin B1. In addition, SecureFeed and its participants pay extra attention to Aflatoxin B1, which is known to pose an increased risk of negatively affecting food safety. For example, SecureFeed has an Aflatoxin protocol that includes additional measures concerning Aflatoxin B1 in maize products.