Nivalenol

Nivalenol is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, such as F. nivale, during growth on foods including wheat, rye, barley, corn, and millet. Like other trichothecenes it inhibits protein synthesis and can cause feed refusal, vomiting, and immunosuppression in animals, with chronic exposure a concern for human health. It frequently co-occurs with deoxynivalenol in Fusarium-damaged grain, complicating risk assessment. Regulatory authorities set maximum levels for the sum of relevant trichothecenes in cereals and cereal products, and grain handlers manage the risk through resistant varieties, timely harvest, proper drying, and mycotoxin screening of incoming lots.