Dear members of the MYTOX-SOUTH® community,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new course that focuses on mycotoxins and their control for food safety: Spore Wars. As the demand for food continues to rise in an ever-changing world, ensuring food safety has become more crucial than ever. Mycotoxins, produced by fungi, pose a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as global food security.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the vulnerability to mycotoxin contamination in food and feed is particularly high due to favorable climatic conditions for fungal growth and inadequate storage and processing facilities. Staple crops like maize, groundnuts, and sorghum can become contaminated with mycotoxins, leading to detrimental health effects such as stunting, immune suppression, and even cancer.

Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, the Soybean Innovation Lab Nutrition team, in collaboration with Ghent University, has developed the Spore Wars course. This groundbreaking course aims to empower farmers, food processors, and researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage mycotoxins and ensure food safety.

The Spore Wars course has been carefully crafted by leading experts from Ghent University, the University of Florida, and MYTOX-SOUTH®. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical insights with practical applications, equipping you with the latest techniques to safeguard the safety and integrity of our food supply.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Spore Wars course is its accessibility. As part of SIL-University’s online training platform, the course is completely free, allowing learners to study at their own pace. Moreover, successful completion of the course will earn you a certificate, recognizing your dedication and expertise in promoting food safety.

By enrolling in the Spore Wars course, you will not only enhance your own understanding of mycotoxins but also join a vibrant international community of over 3,500 learners who share a common goal of ensuring food safety in their respective communities. This platform provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.

We invite you to visit the Soybean Innovation Lab website to access the Spore Wars course and embark on this transformative learning journey.  Together, let us equip ourselves with the necessary skills to combat mycotoxins and safeguard the well-being of our communities.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to promoting food safety. We look forward to seeing you in the Spore Wars course! Please spread the word in your network!

The ongoing global pandemic has necessitated the African Society of Mycotoxicology (ASM) together with MYTOX-SOUTH® to postpone the 3rd ASM joint MYTOX-SOUTH® conference to April 2022 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This conference will strengthen the global knowledge on mycotoxins, extend the cooperative network and promote the sharing & development of mycotoxin management technologies & strategies. Therefore, on behalf of ASM and MYTOX-SOUTH®, we welcome all delegates from research institutes, industry and government and we look forward to your participation in the upcoming conference. For more information check the ASM-website.

From 8 to 10 October 2018, the Max Rubner Conference 2018 on ‘Fungi and Mycotoxins in Foods’ was held. Prof. De Saeger was asked to give an interview on mycotoxins. You can listen to the intervention of Prof. De Saeger via this link.

In the framework of MYTOX-SOUTH, we offer three new PhD-positions for the project MYCO-SAFE SOUTH funded by EU LEAP-AGRI. More information can be found via this link MycoSafe-South PhD scholarships