Türkiye’s cereals, nuts, and dried fruits are at the heart of European food supply chains—but the country’s warm, humid climate makes them highly vulnerable to fungal contamination. With climate change intensifying, mycotoxins—the toxic compounds produced by certain fungi—pose an increasing threat to food safety across Europe.

The EU-funded MycoTWIN project has tackled this challenge head-on, combining scientific collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and industry engagement to strengthen Türkiye’s capacity to detect, prevent, and manage mycotoxins.

Twinning Expertise Across Borders

At the core of MycoTWIN was the goal of enhancing the capabilities of Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Institution (TÜBİTAK) in mycotoxin research. By pairing TÜBİTAK with leading European institutions—the Italian National Research Council (CNR-ISPA) and Spain’s University of Valencia (UV)—the project opened the door to advanced analytical techniques, risk assessment strategies, and mitigation methodologies.

“TÜBİTAK researchers gained invaluable learning opportunities, training alongside some of Europe’s top experts,” says Hayrettin Özer, senior chief researcher at TÜBİTAK. Workshops, seminars, and technical exchanges allowed scientists to refine their approaches and elevate Türkiye’s food safety standards.

Smarter Detection, Faster Action

One of MycoTWIN’s most tangible outcomes is the development of rapid analytical kits and reference materials for detecting mycotoxins. In collaboration with Turkish firm ChemCode, TÜBİTAK created a prototype test for hazelnuts—a critical innovation, given that Türkiye produces more than 70 per cent of the world’s hazelnuts.

These rapid tests reduce contamination detection time from days to minutes, potentially cutting rejected shipments by 50–80 per cent and saving producers EUR 9–14.4 million annually. Beyond detection, the project focused on prevention. Advanced monitoring techniques and intervention strategies, including biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria, aim to counteract mycotoxin formation sustainably, reducing reliance on chemical fungicides.

Bridging Lab and Industry

MycoTWIN emphasized practical impact. Researchers toured major food companies in Türkiye and the EU to study quality control practices, ensuring that scientific innovations could be seamlessly implemented at scale. The project also organized workshops, policy dialogues, and eight hands-on summer schools at CNR-ISPA and UV, training 185 early-stage researchers from Türkiye and the EU.

“The summer schools fostered collaboration and built networks that will shape the next generation of food safety experts,” Özer notes.

A Foundation for Ongoing Innovation

As MycoTWIN concludes, its legacy is already evident. Follow-on initiatives—including Horizon-funded projects AQUASERV and METROFOOD-EPI—are building on its findings, ensuring continued innovation in mycotoxin management.

“The project has strengthened scientific knowledge and built a foundation for resilient, safer food systems—not just for Türkiye, but for Europe as a whole,” Özer concludes.