Toxicity data relevant for hazard characterization.

The present paper summarizes toxicity data relevant for hazard characterization for the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2 and HT-2 from recent opinions prepared by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Details on immunotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity and co-occurrence of different trichothecenes and other mycotoxins and their possible interactions are considered in separate papers in the present issue as well as other aspects such as mould growth, trichothecenes formation, storage, processing, sampling, analytical measurements, exposure assessment and surveillance. The toxicological profiles of DON, NIV, T-2 and HT-2 are similar. The general toxicity and immunotoxicity in experimental animals, and for NIV also haematotoxicity, are considered to be the critical effects. Tolerable Daily Intakes of 1, 0.7 and 0.06 microg/kg b.w. were established for DON, NIV and the sum of T-2 and HT-2, respectively. The TDI's for NIV, T-2 and HT-2 were made temporary because of deficiencies the database.