Chapter 9: Concluding Remarks

Initially, the definition for “masked mycotoxins” highlighted the difficulties in the detection of these compounds by routine analysis. Today, the use of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based methods has led to a steady increase in the detection and quantification of mycotoxin metabolites of plants. With this added knowledge, masked mycotoxins are now on the radar regarding future legislation for food and feed. Until now, the majority of the toxicological studies investigated the possible release of the parent forms of mycotoxins upon digestion. The investigation of the role of gut microbiota in the biotransformation of masked mycotoxins remains an intriguing challenge. Scientists today also debate the physiological and toxicological roles of modified mycotoxins per se, and not only in consideration of their possible cleavage. Another important aspect regarding masked mycotoxins is the understanding of resistance mechanisms in plants. Plant breeding is key to decreasing mycotoxin exposure in future. After more than a decade of intensive research on masked mycotoxins, it is commonly felt that the term “masked” has lost is primary meaning. However, extending the “mask” from sole analysis to the actual biological activity of these compounds opens avenues for new research, which will keep the community busy for many years to come.