Aflatoxin Testing

PJLA-accredited Aflatoxin Testing in food matrices via ELISA (SOP 097), supporting clients who manage FDA Import Alerts, FSMA risk assessments, and global MRL compliance.

Focus

Aflatoxin in Food

Method

SOP 097 · ELISA

Accreditation

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (PJLA)

Defensible Aflatoxin Testing for Nuts, Grains, Spices & Dairy

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2 in feed and food; M1 in dairy) are the most heavily regulated mycotoxin class worldwide because Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus produce them so readily across the food supply. As a result, FDA enforces action levels of 20 ppb total aflatoxins in food and 0.5 ppb M1 in milk through Import Alerts and routine domestic sampling. Therefore, AGT Food Labs provides PJLA-accredited Aflatoxin Testing under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 using ELISA (SOP 097), and we also coordinate broader mycotoxin support through trusted partner laboratories when clients need it.

Accredited Aflatoxin ELISA

Specifically, our SOP 097 ELISA for Total Aflatoxins in food matrices is listed on our PJLA scope (Cert. L24-482-R2) with Flex Codes F1 and F4.

FDA Action-Level Alignment

In addition, we set reporting limits to support FDA's 20 ppb total aflatoxins action level for food, along with the lower thresholds that apply to milk, infant food, and ingredient streams.

Broader Mycotoxin Coverage

Need OTA, DON, Fumonisin, Zearalenone, T-2/HT-2, or Patulin? In those cases, we coordinate sub-contracted analysis with vetted partner labs and consolidate results into a single Certificate of Analysis.

Accredited Aflatoxin Testing & Mycotoxin Program Support

One PJLA-accredited line item powers our in-house Aflatoxin Testing, while broader mycotoxin work is offered as coordinated sub-contracted support. The two blocks below clearly separate what is accredited at AGT Food Labs from what we deliver through partner labs.

Aflatoxin — ELISA (SOP 097) · PJLA Accredited

Aflatoxin Testing at AGT Food Labs uses competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following internal SOP 097. First, our analysts extract and clean up each sample; then they quantify it on a microplate reader against a calibrated standard curve. Overall, ELISA delivers a strong balance of sensitivity, throughput, and cost, so it suits routine release testing, shipment screening, and FDA Import Alert clearance work particularly well.

Analyte

Aflatoxin (commonly reported as Total Aflatoxins; B1, B2, G1, G2 in food and feed; M1 in dairy when requested).

Method

SOP 097 — ELISA.

Matrix

Food — exactly as listed on the PJLA scope (Cert. L24-482-R2).

Flex Codes

F1 · F4 — capability to accept similar food matrices and a new revision of an accredited non-standard method using the same technology.

Typical Use Cases

Shipment release for peanut butter, tree nuts, dried chili and paprika, corn flour, rice, dried fruit; FDA Import Alert 26-04 / 16-129 clearance work; FSMA preventive-controls hazard verification.

Broader Mycotoxin Testing — Coordinated Program Support

Most clients managing aflatoxin exposure also need a wider mycotoxin program covering Ochratoxin A (OTA), Deoxynivalenol (DON / vomitoxin), Fumonisin, Zearalenone, T-2 / HT-2 toxins, and Patulin. However, these mycotoxins are not currently on the AGT Food Labs PJLA scope. Therefore, we coordinate analysis with vetted partner laboratories and consolidate reporting into a single Certificate of Analysis, so clients see one project, one project manager, and one timeline.

Mycotoxins Coordinated

Ochratoxin A (OTA) · Deoxynivalenol (DON / vomitoxin) · Fumonisin (B1, B2) · Zearalenone (ZEN) · T-2 / HT-2 · Patulin.

Accreditation Status

Sub-contracted through ISO/IEC 17025-accredited partner laboratories. Not currently on the AGT Food Labs PJLA scope (Cert. L24-482-R2). Partner accreditation references are disclosed on the COA.

Typical Use Cases

Multi-mycotoxin shipment screens for grains and cereals; OTA in coffee, cocoa, and wine; DON and Zearalenone for grain-based pet food; Patulin for apple juice; full-panel due diligence for ingredient suppliers.

Roadmap

Expansion of in-house Mycotoxin Testing scope is on our accreditation roadmap; reach out for current capabilities and timing.

Methodology & Technology

The instrumentation, sample-preparation discipline, and quality controls behind every accredited Aflatoxin Testing result.

ELISA Microplate Quantification
Specifically, we run a competitive enzyme immunoassay with calibrated standard curves on each plate per SOP 097. This provides defensible aflatoxin quantification with the throughput needed for shipment release work.
FDA Action-Level Awareness
In addition, we design reporting limits to clearly resolve results against 20 ppb total aflatoxins in food, 0.5 ppb M1 in milk, and the tighter limits FDA applies to infant food and milk for special populations.
Matrix-Specific Sample Prep
For example, we apply validated extraction and clean-up procedures for high-fat (peanut, tree nut), high-pigment (paprika, chili), and high-starch (corn, rice) matrices — the three matrix groups where aflatoxin recovery is most challenging.
ISO/IEC 17025 Quality System
Furthermore, we perform all work under our PJLA-accredited quality system (Cert. L24-482-R2), with version-controlled SOPs, calibration traceability, proficiency testing, and reviewed Certificates of Analysis.
FDA Import Detention Support
Finally, we coordinate tightly with our FDA Import Detention Testing service for clients clearing DWPE alerts and Import Alerts on aflatoxin-flagged shipments.

Who Uses Our Aflatoxin Testing

Food categories with the highest regulatory and recall exposure for aflatoxin.

Tree Nuts & Peanuts

Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and peanut butter — primary FDA action-level targets.

Corn, Grains & Flours

Corn meal, corn flour, rice, sorghum, and milled cereal ingredients shipped into US food supply chains.

Spices and dried chili aflatoxin testing

Spices & Dried Chili

Paprika, chili powders, nutmeg, and ground spices — the largest aflatoxin Import Alert category by volume.

Dairy & Infant Food

Milk and dairy ingredient screening for aflatoxin M1, plus infant food ingredients held to lower thresholds.

Why Choose AGT Food Labs

An accredited partner for aflatoxin work and a coordinated single point of contact for broader mycotoxin programs.

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ISO/IEC 17025:2017

PJLA accreditation (Cert. L24-482-R2). Aflatoxin via SOP 097 ELISA is on the published scope.

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Single Point of Contact

One project manager, one COA, one timeline — even when broader mycotoxin work is coordinated with partner labs.

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Import & Regulatory Support

Direct coordination with our FDA Import Detention service for fast clearance of aflatoxin-flagged shipments.

Aflatoxin Testing — Frequently Asked Questions

Which aflatoxin testing method do you use?

We use ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) following internal SOP 097. Specifically, this is a quantitative microplate-based method calibrated against aflatoxin reference standards. Moreover, it is accredited on our PJLA scope (Cert. L24-482-R2) with Flex Codes F1 and F4 for the Food matrix.

Do you test other mycotoxins like OTA, DON, Fumonisin, or Zearalenone?

Currently, only Aflatoxin is on the AGT Food Labs PJLA scope. However, broader mycotoxin work — Ochratoxin A (OTA), Deoxynivalenol (DON), Fumonisin, Zearalenone, T-2 / HT-2, and Patulin — is coordinated through ISO/IEC 17025-accredited partner laboratories. As a result, we consolidate every result onto one Certificate of Analysis. In addition, expansion of in-house mycotoxin scope is on our accreditation roadmap.

Which FDA action level applies to my product?

FDA enforces 20 ppb total aflatoxins in food, with a 0.5 ppb action level for aflatoxin M1 in milk. Furthermore, lower thresholds apply to infant food and to milk used in WIC and infant formula programs. Because EU and other export markets often apply tighter aflatoxin limits, we will report against the limit you specify on the chain of custody.

Can you support FDA Import Detention (DWPE / Import Alert) clearance?

Yes. In fact, aflatoxin is one of the most common reasons for FDA detention on imported nuts, spices, and grain ingredients. Therefore, we coordinate directly with our FDA Import Detention Testing service to provide accredited results and clearance documentation as quickly as possible.

How much sample do you need?

Because aflatoxin distribution in nuts, spices, and grains is notoriously heterogeneous, larger sub-samples improve representativeness. Consequently, we typically request a minimum of 500 g of well-mixed ground product (1 kg preferred for whole-kernel nuts). For dairy or liquid samples, 250–500 mL preserved per accepted procedure is standard. Before shipping, please contact us so we can confirm sampling-plan adequacy for your specific matrix.

What's the difference between aflatoxin and mycotoxin?

Mycotoxins are the broader family of toxic secondary metabolites produced by molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and others). Aflatoxin, by contrast, is one specific group of mycotoxins that Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus produce. Notably, aflatoxin is the most heavily regulated mycotoxin globally and is the only mycotoxin currently on the AGT Food Labs PJLA accreditation scope.

How are results reported?

We report aflatoxin quantitatively in parts per billion (ppb or μg/kg) on our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited Certificate of Analysis. By default, we report total aflatoxins, with individual B1, B2, G1, G2 breakdowns available on request. In addition, we offer M1 reporting for dairy matrices.

Is the accreditation publicly verifiable?

Yes. AGT Food Labs holds PJLA Accreditation No. 117946, Certificate No. L24-482-R2 (Revision Date March 31, 2026). Moreover, the full scope supplement listing the Aflatoxin line item is downloadable from pjlabs.com.

Quote Your Aflatoxin Testing Panel

Tell us the matrix, target analytes, and turnaround you need, and we will send pricing and sample-prep guidance within one business day. Single-analyte aflatoxin work is performed in-house, while broader mycotoxin panels are coordinated with vetted partner labs.

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