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Türkiye is a leading European food producer thanks to its warm, humid climate. However, these same conditions also give rise to a high risk of fungal contamination at all stages of food production and processing. With climate change accelerating, mycotoxins pose a growing threat to food safety in Europe as a whole.
Advancing research methods
The key goal of the MycoTWIN project was to strengthen the expertise of the Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) in mycotoxin research. To achieve this, the project provided access to cutting-edge technology and methodologies by twinning TÜBİTAK with leading EU institutions – making it easier to monitor and tackle mycotoxins. TÜBİTAK researchers took part in joint studies with the Italian National Research Council (CNR-ISPA) and Spain’s University of Valencia (UV), learning best practices and refining their approaches to food safety challenges.
“The project created invaluable learning opportunities, allowing our researchers to train alongside leading experts,” says Hayrettin Özer, senior chief researcher at TÜBİTAK.
Workshops, seminars and technical exchanges formed the backbone of the initiative. TÜBİTAK’s researchers travelled to Italy and Spain to train in advanced analytical techniques, risk assessment and mitigation strategies. This hands-on experience helped TÜBİTAK enhance its food safety standards.
The collaboration also strengthened TÜBİTAK’s research capabilities. With support from MycoTWIN, the institute upgraded its laboratory facilities with state-of-the-art analytical methods and tools. This upgrade ensures that TÜBİTAK can continue leading mycotoxin research in Türkiye and contribute to European food safety efforts as a whole.
Smarter detection
One of MycoTWIN’s biggest achievements was the development of new analytical kits and reference materials for detecting mycotoxins.
TÜBİTAK collaborated with Turkish firm ChemCode to create a prototype rapid mycotoxin test specifically for hazelnuts. This was especially important, as Türkiye accounts for over 70 % of global hazelnut exports.
These new tools provide faster and more precise contamination assessments, helping food producers act quickly against mycotoxins. By cutting down testing time from days to minutes, the new testing kits can reduce the number of shipments that are rejected due to fungal contamination by 50-80 %, saving producers an estimated EUR 9-14.4 million annually.
Beyond detection, the team also worked to prevent fungal contamination at its source. Scientists explored new monitoring techniques and intervention strategies. “Stopping mycotoxins before they spread is even more important than detecting them. Our research makes that more possible,” Özer explains.
The team also explored biopreservation with lactic acid bacteria (already used in food production) to detoxify and counteract mycotoxin production. This sustainable approach offers an alternative to chemical fungicides, reducing environmental impact while keeping food safe.
Outside the lab
MycoTWIN didn’t stop at in-lab research. The team actively engaged with the food industry, visiting major companies in Türkiye and the EU to study their quality control processes.
“Seeing how industry handles food safety challenges helped us refine our own approaches,” Özer remarks. These visits ensured that MycoTWIN’s scientific developments align with industry needs, making them easier to implement at scale.
Additionally, the team organised workshops and events that brought together researchers, industry professionals and policymakers to discuss challenges and solutions in mycotoxin management. And, to support the next generation of researchers, the team set up eight hands-on summer schools at CNR-ISPA and UV for around 185 early-stage researchers from Türkiye and the EU.
“The summer schools created a space for early-stage researchers to learn, collaborate and build connections that will last throughout their careers,” Özer adds.
Path to success
As MycoTWIN wraps up, its impact continues to grow. New national projects have been launched, and further research is being conducted (including the Horizon-funded projects AQUASERV and METROFOOD-EPI). These new projects will ensure that the advancements made in mycotoxin research and management will contribute to a safer food chain for Europe.
“The project has strengthened scientific knowledge and built a foundation for continued innovation in food safety and quality, ensuring a more resilient system for Türkiye and beyond,” Özer concludes.