Zearalenone in milk is common?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not Detected in Milk
• D. Rare

Answer: (A)

Carryover of toxins from feed into milk varies by the toxin and animal metabolism. Zearalenone is a Fusarium-produced mycotoxin with estrogenic effects that can contaminate cereals and hence feed, but its transfer into milk is limited. In dairy animals, rumen microbes and hepatic metabolism destroy much of the zearalenone before it can reach the bloodstream, and the compound does not readily cross into milk in significant amounts. As a result, zearalenone is not commonly found in milk; surveillance often finds little to no presence except in cases of unusually heavy feed contamination. Therefore, the statement that zearalenone in milk is common is not correct.