Bühler announced the launch of an optical sorter to reduce aflatoxin levels by up to 90% in pet food. Swiss technology group notes that mycotoxin contamination of grain continues to increase.

Bühler launched SORTEX LumoVision, which uses a spectral scale to reduce mycotoxin contamination in pet food. Mycotoxin are byproducts from the metabolism of molds, which are often found in corn used in pet food, causing animal sickness and brand damage through market recall of products.

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi that can grow on crops and food in warm and humid conditions, particularly on grains, produce, nuts, seeds and spices.

Bühler explains LumoVision is an optical sorter that can reduce aflatoxin levels (a common mycotoxin) by up to 90%, as indicated by industrial trials. With this reduction, many samples would meet regulation levels, which saves companies from the costs of large-scale material waste and market recall.

“Mycotoxins are a worldwide concern,” notes Dr. Gerardo Morantes, director of the Food Safety-Americas Region at Bühler.

“However, technology made possible by Bühler SORTEX enables a preventative solution, meaning that mycotoxins can be dealt with early, stopping the spread and removing the contamination to meet regulatory standards.”

Bühler notes that mycotoxin contamination of grain continues to increase. The most frequent mycotoxins in grains are aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, cearalenon, fumonisin and ergot alkaloids.