Nivalenol (NIV) is a mycotoxin of the trichothecene group. In nature it is mainly found in fungi of the Fusarium species. The Fusarium species belongs to the most prevalent mycotoxin producing fungi in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, therefore making them a considerable risk for the food crop production industry. The fungi are abundant in various agricultural products (cereal crops) and their further processed products (malt, beer and bread). "The Fusarium species invade and grow on crops, and may produce nivalenol under moist and cool conditions".