Mycotoxin ZEN Zearalenone Rapid Test strip for grain and feed

Zearalenone, also known as F-2 toxin, is a fungal toxin produced primarily by various Fusarium species, including Fusarium graminearum. This toxin is mainly distributed in grains contaminated by these fungi, such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, millet, and oats. First isolated from corn infected with Fusarium graminearum, Zearalenone is a metabolite of Fusarium graminearum. Its chemical name is 6-(10-hydroxy-6-oxocarbonyl)-β-resorcylic acid-μ-lactone.

Zearalenone exhibits estrogenic activity in pigs, cattle, and sheep. Although its acute toxicity is low, it can cause precocious mammary gland development and other estrogenic effects in young female pigs. Additionally, it can also cause a toxic disease mainly manifesting as estrogen syndrome symptoms such as vulvar swelling, mammary gland enlargement, and nymphomania. After ingesting feed containing Zearalenone, the toxin is continuously absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and retained for a long time due to enterohepatic circulation, causing significant toxicity. It is mainly distributed in organs such as the uterus, ovaries, liver, and milk.

The toxic mechanism of Zearalenone is related to its estrogenic effects, with an estrogenic strength of approximately 10% compared to natural estrogens. It can be reduced to α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol, which further promote DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis in the uterus, leading to estrogen hyperactivity. Its target organs are mainly the reproductive organs of female animals, exhibiting estrogenic effects.

Therefore, to ensure food safety and human health, it is crucial to strictly control the content of Zearalenone in grains and adopt effective preventive measures to reduce its contamination and harm. Additionally, contaminated feed and food should be appropriately treated and detoxified to avoid causing harm to animals and humans.