The Contaminant Analysis Department (KONA) of AGES, which is part of the Institute for Food Safety in Linz, has been entrusted with the tasks of the national reference laboratory for mycotoxins and plant toxins in food and feed since 2006. In addition to classic and standardised analytical methods, innovative multi-methods using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are also used and are constantly being further developed.

The Institute for Food Safety at Wageningen University (RIKILT) operates the "EURL for mycotoxins & plant toxins in food and feed". The national reference laboratories of the individual member states support this Community reference laboratory in its tasks and demonstrate their high level of expertise at proficiency tests and workshops regularly organised by the EU reference laboratory.

• Analysing samples in the context of food and feed control
• Carrying out comparative analyses and providing support for field laboratories (routine laboratories)
• Developing and validating new analytical methods
• Supporting the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) with technical issues
• Providing expert opinions and expert information