Microbiological and Mycotoxicological Quality of Stored Wheat, Wholemeal Flour and Bread: The Impact of Extreme Weather Events in Romania in the 2024 Summer

This study examines the effects of the extreme drought and heatwaves that occurred in Romania during the summer of 2024 on the microbiological and mycotoxicological quality of wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>) stored until April 2025, as well as on the quality of wholemeal flour and bread derived from it. Comparative analyses were conducted against the contamination in wheat harvested in 2024. The hot and dry conditions significantly influenced the microbial and mycotoxicological contamination of both freshly harvested and stored wheat, as well as the derived flour and bread, due to their notably reduced moisture content and water activity. Although levels of total fungi, <i>Fusarium</i>-damaged kernels, and mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B1, and ochratoxin A remained well below regulatory thresholds, higher contamination was observed in Transylvania and Moldavia-particularly in the Curvature Carpathians, likely due to their cooler and wetter microclimates. The observed quality changes were strongly associated with alterations in physico-chemical, rheological, and colorimetric parameters, posing potential economic challenges for the milling and baking industries. The study recommends implementing integrated regional strategies to enhance wheat resilience, optimize production systems, and improve contamination control in response to increasing climate stress across Southeastern Europe.