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U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
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  • ARS Scientists Safeguarding Food with a New Test Kit

ARS Scientists Safeguarding Food with a New Test Kit

Infographic Text Certain molds make toxic chemicals called “mycotoxins” that can contaminate grain and nuts crops, like corn and peanuts. Mycotoxins affect 25% of crops worldwide, costing $1 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. ARS researchers developed cells that make antibodies that can “find and bind” mycotoxins in grain samples. Test kits now contain the antibodies. The tests can detect mycotoxins at levels of 1 part per billion. That’s equivalent to a pinch of salt in a 10-ton bag of potato chips. ARS is also developing next-generation tests called “biosensors” to detect multiple mycotoxins simultaneously. We’re keeping our food safe and supporting agricultural exports and on-farm incomes.
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