A survey of fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and aflatoxins contamination in corn-based food products in Argentina

Abstract

The presence of mycotoxins in corn-based foods available in Argentina was determined in order to make a preliminary exposure assessment. Thirty-eight samples [corn meal (‘polenta’) and corn flakes] of different local brands were analysed for zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and aflatoxins by TLC and fumonisins (FB₁, FB₂ and FB₃) by HPLC. None of the 38 samples contained any detectable amount of aflatoxins (1 (range positives: 60–2860 μg/kg; mean positive value: 556 μg/kg), FB₂ (61–1090 μg/kg; 232 μg/kg) and FB₃ (18–1015 μg/kg 150 μg/kg). Low levels of fumonisin B₁ were detected in 16/17 corn flakes samples (2–38 μg/kg). Total fumonisin levels in corn mealwere more than 1000 μg/kg in 24% (5/21) of the samples. Although it is not the staple food in Argentina, maize consumption is very important, especially among children. A daily fumonisin intake of 11.3μg/kg of body weight was estimated for child consumers (1–5 years old) based on an average consumption of 200g of corn meal/day. Calculated atan averageratefor allchildren (consumers or not) the intake estimate was 0.9μg/kg of body weight.