Ergot alkaloids are mainly found in the ergot. The term ergot refers to structures formed by phytopathogenic fungi such as the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea). These permanent forms of the fungus, scientifically known as sclerotia, protrude from the husks of the ears of infected wild grasses and cereals as "ergot", usually clearly visible due to their dark colour. Among the agriculturally cultivated cereals, rye is particularly affected, but other cereals such as wheat can also be infected by the fungus.

After oral intake of small amounts of ergot alkaloids, acute symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, muscle contractions, headaches, cardiovascular problems (e.g. high blood pressure) and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) may occur. Human data show that uterine contractions can occur even at low intake levels, possibly leading to uterine haemorrhage and abortion. After ingestion of large amounts of ergot alkaloids, acute toxic effects described include circulatory disorders due to the vasoconstrictive effect on the blood vessels, particularly in the heart muscle, but also in the kidneys and limbs. The symptoms can be accompanied by hallucinations, convulsions, sensory disturbances and paralyses and can lead to death after respiratory or cardiac arrest.

After chronic intake of moderate amounts of ergot alkaloids, reproductive effects may also occur (e.g. triggering of miscarriages, lower birth weights, lack of milk production). Chronic oral intake of high levels of ergot alkaloids causes symptoms similar to those of acute intake of high levels of ergot alkaloids. Knowledge of this is based on observations of adverse effects when certain ergot alkaloids were used as active pharmaceutical ingredients or when disease outbreaks occurred after the consumption of cereal products containing high levels of ergot alkaloids.

After oral intake of small amounts of ergot alkaloids, acute symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, muscle contractions, headaches, cardiovascular problems (e.g. high blood pressure) and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) may occur. Human data show that uterine contractions can occur even at low intake levels, possibly leading to uterine haemorrhage and abortion. After ingestion of large amounts of ergot alkaloids, acute toxic effects described include circulatory disorders due to the vasoconstrictive effect on the blood vessels, particularly in the heart muscle, but also in the kidneys and limbs. The symptoms can be accompanied by hallucinations, convulsions, sensory disturbances and paralyses and can lead to death after respiratory or cardiac arrest.

After chronic intake of moderate amounts of ergot alkaloids, reproductive effects may also occur (e.g. triggering of miscarriages, lower birth weights, lack of milk production). Chronic oral intake of high levels of ergot alkaloids causes symptoms similar to those of acute intake of high levels of ergot alkaloids. Knowledge of this is based on observations of adverse effects when certain ergot alkaloids were used as active pharmaceutical ingredients or when disease outbreaks occurred after the consumption of cereal products containing high levels of ergot alkaloids.

The main source for the intake of ergot alkaloids are cereal products such as flour, bread and bakery wares. Depending on the harvest conditions, in particular products made from rye (rye flour, wholemeal rye bread, rye bread and rolls), which are consumed comparatively frequently in Germany, but also other types of grain, such as wheat or spelt, can have increased levels of ergot alkaloids.

In addition to climatic conditions, agricultural engineering measures in particular influence the concentration of ergot alkaloids along the entire value chain: from the selection of seeds and cultivation to the selection of raw materials and the technological processing of the grain. For example, inadequate removal of ergot before processing of the grain can result in ergot alkaloids ending up in the grain products when the grain is milled. However, contamination with ergot alkaloids can also occur after the grain has been cleaned, e.g. through fragments or dust from the ergot containing ergot alkaloids.

Consumers cannot recognise the presence of ergot alkaloids in cereal products. Ergot alkaloids can only be detected in cereal products using chemical analytical methods. For this reason, cereal products are analysed for ergot alkaloids both as part of the official food control and the food monitoring as well as the self-controls of food business operators.

Children are considered as a vulnerable consumer group due to their lower body weight compared to the amount consumed. In addition, pregnant women, unborn children and newborns are also considered particularly vulnerable consumer groups.

In 2023, the BfR carried out an assessment of the health risks from ergot alkaloids in selected cereal products. Children aged between six months and six years were considered, who represent a vulnerable consumer group due to their lower body weight compared to the amount consumed. Based on data from official food monitoring in Germany from 2013 to 2021, the BfR concludes that acute health impairments can occur with a medium likelihood, in particular through the consumption of rye products. From a toxicological point of view, further efforts should therefore be made to further reduce the concentration of ergot alkaloids in food.

In 2023, the BfR carried out an assessment of the health risks from ergot alkaloids in selected cereal products. Children aged between six months and six years were considered, who represent a vulnerable consumer group due to their lower body weight compared to the amount consumed. Based on data from official food monitoring in Germany from 2013 to 2021, the BfR concludes that acute health impairments can occur with a medium likelihood, in particular through the consumption of rye products. From a toxicological point of view, further efforts should therefore be made to further reduce the concentration of ergot alkaloids in food.

Since 2015, a maximum level of 0.5 g ergot sclerotia per kilogramme (kg) of unprocessed cereals (except maize and rice) has applied in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2015/1940. This was lowered to 0.2 g/kg on 1 January 2022 (Regulation (EU) 2021/1399). A maximum level of 0.5 g/kg still applies to unprocessed rye. From 1 July 2025, a lowering to 0.2 g/kg is also planned here (Regulation (EU) 2024/1808).

As previously explained (question: How do ergot alkaloids get into cereal products?), ergot alkaloids can enter the food chain not only via intact ergot sclerotia, but also via fragments or dust from ergot sclerotia formed during transport, storage and processing of the cereals. Therefore, in addition to the legally binding regulation for the levels of ergot sclerotia in cereals, Regulation (EU) 2021/1399 also sets maximum levels for the sum of the twelve toxicologically most relevant ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, ergocristine, ergocryptine, ergosine, ergometrine, ergocornine and their epimers). These came into force on 1 January 2022.

In order to further reduce the intake of ergot alkaloids via the consumption of food, a lowering of individual maximum levels has been implemented or is planned in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1808:

For milling products of barley, wheat, spelt and oats (with an ash content of less than 900 mg/100 g) from previously 100 µg/kg

- to 50 µg/kg from 01/07/2024 for barley, spelt and oats
- to 50 µg/kg from 01/07/2028 for wheat.

For milling products of rye and rye that is placed on the market for the final consumer, from previously 500 µg/kg

- to 250 µg/kg from 01/07/2028.

In addition, maximum levels have been set for milling products of barley, wheat, spelt and oats (with an ash content of at least 900 mg/100 g), for barley, wheat, spelt and oat grains placed on the market for the final consumer, for wheat gluten and for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children.

In the mills, ergot is removed using various technical measures. However, under certain circumstances, e.g. due to climatic conditions such as periods of drought, the shape or colour of the ergot can change. Due to these changes, the ergot is not detected by routine cleaning techniques. This can result in increased levels of ergot alkaloids in cereal products. The BfR therefore recommends the consistent application of agricultural and technological Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with the aim of minimising the levels of ergot alkaloids in cereal products. The focus here is on measures taken by all economic operators along the entire value chain, from the selection of seeds and cultivation to the selection of raw materials and the technological processing of the grain.

To this end, the Federal Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture (BMEL) initiated a working group coordinated by the Max Rubner-Institute (MRI) and with the participation of experts from federal authorities and associations, which developed "Recommendations for action to minimise ergot and ergot alkaloids in cereals" (in german only) in 2014 and updated them in 2023. The revised version of the recommendations for action has been published on the MRI website.

There is also a "Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals" of the Codex Alimentarius, which includes recommendations for the prevention and reduction of ergot and ergot alkaloid contamination in cereals.