Showing papers in "World Mycotoxin Journal in 2018"
TL;DR: Clinical presentation andHigh levels of aflatoxin in food samples coupled with high levels of serum a flatoxin-albumin adducts among the cases support the causal role of a flatoxins.
Abstract: In June 2016, an outbreak of an unknown disease was reported to affect clusters of families in two regions of the central part of Tanzania A rapid epidemiological survey was conducted in the affected villages, with a detailed house-to-house survey in selected households A total of 68 cases occurred between 14 May and 14 November 2016, of which 20 died, making a case fatality rate of 30% Over 50% of the cases were below the age of 15 years The cases presented with jaundice (n=60), abdominal pain (n=59), vomiting (n=56), diarrhoea (n=34) and ascites (n=32) The responsible food item appeared to be home grown maize The rate ratio indicated that the occurrence of illnesses was associated with ingestion of food contaminated with high levels of aflatoxins (contamination range: 10-51,100 μg/kg and 24-285 μg/kg for case and control households, respectively) Serum aflatoxin biomarker indicated that cases were more likely to have higher than 1000 pg/mg aflatoxin-albumin adduct level in their sera compared to controls (Odds Ratio = 135; 95% confidence intervals = 15-1653; range of aflatoxin-albumin adduct level = 36- 32,800 pg/mg for cases and 10-4020 pg/mg for controls) Beside aflatoxins, maize samples were also contaminated with high levels of fumonisins (range of contamination; 945-12,630 μg/kg) with 8 of 10 samples analysed from case households co-contaminated with both toxins at levels above the maximum limit of 5 or 10 μg/kg set for AFB1 or total aflatoxins and 2,000 μg/kg for fumonisins Clinical presentation and high levels of aflatoxin in food samples coupled with high levels of serum aflatoxin-albumin adducts among the cases support the causal role of aflatoxins
100 citations
TL;DR: The data associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for mycotoxin-induced toxicity is summarised and a variety of natural compounds due to their antioxidant capacities have been evaluated.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide and are considered an important risk factor for human and animal health. Oxidative stress occurs in cells when the concentration of reactive oxygen species exceeds the cell’s antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress causes DNA damage, enhances lipid peroxidation, protein damage and cell death. This review addresses the toxicity of the major mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin, patulin and zearalenone, in relation to oxidative stress. It summarises the data associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for mycotoxin-induced toxicity. Given the contamination caused by mycotoxins worldwide, the protective effects of a variety of natural compounds due to their antioxidant capacities have been evaluated. We review data on the ability of vitamins, flavonoids, crocin, curcumin, green tea, lycopene, phytic acid, L-carnitine, melatonin, minerals and mixtures of anti-oxida...
91 citations
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna1, University of Münster2, Instituto Adolfo Lutz3, National Research Council4, Federal Emergency Relief Administration5, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research6, Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague7, Canadian Grain Commission8
TL;DR: This critical review aims to briefly discuss the most important recent developments and trends in mycotoxin determination as well as to address limitations of the presented methodologies.
Abstract: This review summarises developments in the determination of mycotoxins over a period between mid-2016 and mid-2017. Analytical methods to determine aflatoxins, Alternaria toxins, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxins, patulin, trichothecenes and zearalenone are covered in individual sections. Advances in proper sampling strategies are discussed in a dedicated section, as are methods used to analyse botanicals and spices and newly developed LC-MS based multi-mycotoxin methods. This critical review aims to briefly discuss the most important recent developments and trends in mycotoxin determination as well as to address limitations of the presented methodologies.
61 citations
TL;DR: A very large number of filamentous fungi has been reported to produce the small lactone mycotoxins patulin, penicillic acid and moniliformin, and five species have been regarded as doubtful producers or are now regarded as taxonomic synonyms.
Abstract: A very large number of filamentous fungi has been reported to produce the small lactone mycotoxins patulin, penicillic acid and moniliformin. Among the 167 reported fungal producers of patulin, only production by 29 species could be confirmed. Patulin is produced by 3 Aspergillus species, 3 Paecilomyces species, 22 Penicillium species from 7 sections of Penicillium, and one Xylaria species. Among 101 reported producers of penicillic acid, 48 species could produce this mycotoxin. Penicillic acid is produced by 23 species in section Aspergillus subgenus Circumdati section Circumdati, by Malbranchea aurantiaca and by 24 Penicillium species from 9 sections in Penicillium and one species that does not actually belong to Penicillium (P. megasporum). Among 40 reported producers of moniliformin, five species have been regarded as doubtful producers of this mycotoxin or are now regarded as taxonomic synonyms. Moniliformin is produced by 34 Fusarium species and one Penicillium species. All the accepted producers of...
60 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic costs of scab, and developed several economic models, analysed extensive data and conducted surveys of wheat flour millers, barley maltsters, and grain handlers.
Abstract: Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) has led to major economic costs for wheat and barley producers Grain products and feed grain contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) (commonly known as vomitoxin) are subject to Food and Drug Administration advisory limits and as a result end-users place restrictions on their use This has led to steep price discounts, as well as higher risks for producers and grain merchandisers Varietal research has led to development of varieties that are resistant or moderately resistant to FHB Studies indicate combinations of genetic resistance, fungicides and some management practices (combine settings, tillage practices, etc) can be used to decrease economic costs due to FHB The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic costs of scab To do so we developed several economic models, analysed extensive data and conducted surveys of wheat flour millers, barley maltsters, and grain handlers A detailed assessment of costs indicates the most important costs accrued by the wheat and
53 citations
TL;DR: Forty-five samples of a landrace of sweet pepper widely cultivated in Basilicata (Italy) were screened for 17 mycotoxins and potential toxigenic fungal species and found none of them met the EU limit.
Abstract: Forty-five samples of a landrace of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) widely cultivated in Basilicata (Italy) were screened for 17 mycotoxins and potential toxigenic fungal species. Two different LC-MS/MS methods were used for the determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), Fusarium mycotoxins zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisins (FB1 and FB2), nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 and HT-2 toxins and Alternaria mycotoxins altenuene (ALT), alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), tentoxin (TTX) and tenuazonic acid (TeA). Frequency of potential toxigenic fungal species occurrence was: 87% Aspergillus Sect. Nigri; 58% Aspergillus Sect. Flavi; 38% Aspergillus Sect. Circumdati; 42% Alternaria spp.; 33% Penicillium spp. and 20% Fusarium spp. Frequency of mycotoxin occurrence and mean of positives were: 51% OTA, 29.5 µg/kg, 5 samples above the EU limit of 20 µg/kg; 31% aflatoxins, 12.8 µg/kg, two samples above the EU limit of 5 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1; 91% ZEA, 1.4 µg/kg; 78% FB2, 7.6 µg/kg; 58% FB...
49 citations
TL;DR: The review proposes improved linkages between agriculture, nutrition and health sectors to address aflatoxins contamination better and highlights knowledge gaps that can direct future management efforts.
Abstract: Aflatoxins are highly toxic metabolites of several Aspergillus species widely distributed throughout the environment These toxins have adverse effects on humans and livestock at a few micrograms p
45 citations
TL;DR: CPA is toxic to several animal species, such as rats, pigs, guinea pigs, poultry and dogs, and after ingesting CPA-contaminated feeds, test animals display severe gastrointestinal upsets and neurological disorders.
Abstract: In 1968, the mycotoxin cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) was first discovered and characterised as a chemical substance Within the following five decades, much has been learned from the results of CPA research CPA is produced by several Penicillium species (P griseofulvum, P camemberti, P commune, P dipodomyicola) and Aspergillus species (A flavus, A oryzae and A tamarii) It is widespread on naturally contaminated agricultural raw materials CPA has been reported to occur in food commodities (eg oilseeds, nuts, cereals, dried figs, milk, cheese and meat products) and to possess toxicological significance CPA is also frequently detected in peanuts and maize; the presence of CPA and aflatoxins in maize and peanuts contaminated with A flavus suggests that synergism may occur CPA is toxic to several animal species, such as rats, pigs, guinea pigs, poultry and dogs After ingesting CPA-contaminated feeds, test animals display severe gastrointestinal upsets and neurological disorders Organs affected incl
43 citations
TL;DR: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed risks of dietary exposure to mycotoxins for public health and for the health of farm and companion animals on the request of the European Commission and has assessed safety and efficacy of feed additives for the reduction of contamination of feed by mycotoxin within the European Union authorisation process for feed additives as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are widely occurring in foods and feeds and dietary exposure to them can induce various types of adverse health effects in humans and animals. Since its establishment in 2002, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed risks of dietary exposure to mycotoxins for public health and for the health of farm and companion animals on the request of the European Commission and has assessed safety and efficacy of feed additives for the reduction of contamination of feed by mycotoxins within the European Union authorisation process for feed additives. Over 40 scientific opinions on risks of mycotoxins for human and animal health and other reports on mycotoxins have been issued by the authority for the use of the European risk managers. Mycotoxins belong to one of the important areas of the EFSA work. Occurrence data on mycotoxins submitted to EFSA by the European national food safety bodies and research institutions have been collected in the EFSA databases and have informed its scientific op...
41 citations
TL;DR: A multi-mycotoxin survey of feed samples from Africa found that aflatoxins frequently occurred in African feed samples in potentially unsafe concentrations and a correlation between deoxynivalenol and zearalenone concentrations suggests that toxicological interactions of these compounds deserve attention.
Abstract: As animal feed is prone to infestation with mycotoxin-producing fungi, mycotoxin contamination of feed should be monitored. Here, we report a multi-mycotoxin survey of feed samples from Africa. We ...
34 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that Fusarium infection in barley is difficult to recognise in the field and mycotoxin levels cannot be estimated based on the symptoms, which makes it difficult to establish the quality and safety of harvested barley products.
Abstract: Barley is a small-grain cereal that can be infected by Fusarium spp resulting in reduced quality and safety of harvested barley (products) Barley and other small-grain cereals are commonly studied together for Fusarium infection and related mycotoxin contamination, since the infection and its influencing factors are assumed to be the same for all small-grain cereals Using relevant literature, this study reviewed Fusarium spp infection and mycotoxin contamination, mainly T-2/HT-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON), in barley specifically For the first time, review results provide an extensive overview of the influencing factors for Fusarium infection and mycotoxin production in barley, such as weather, agricultural management and processing factors, and includes the comparison of these mechanisms in wheat Results showed that Fusarium infection in barley is difficult to recognise in the field and mycotoxin levels cannot be estimated based on the symptoms These factors make it difficult to establish the r
TL;DR: There was a probable synergistic effect that was involved in removal of OTA by the strain CW14 culture supernatant, which included enzymatic degradation by a CP and physical adsorption by some small peptides.
Abstract: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an important mycotoxin that contaminates a variety of agricultural products. The cell-free supernatant of Bacillus subtilis CW14 liquid cultures were reported previously to be...
TL;DR: A validated QuEChERS-based method was used to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins in 70 South African food spices and paprika had the highest positives for the determined mycot oxins.
Abstract: A validated QuEChERS-based method was used to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins in 70 South African food spices [coarse chilli (n=14), ground chilli (n=4), paprika (n=7), ginger (n=5), chick...
TL;DR: The results indicated that the Lysinibacillus strain is a promising bacterium resource for reducing ZEA, and its genes and enzymes involved in microbial reduction of ZEA should be further explored.
Abstract: Zearalenone (ZEA) has a strong reproductive toxicity. Reducing and eliminating ZEA from food and feed is of great significance. The aim of the present study was to screen bacteria for reduction of ...
TL;DR: Results suggest that the level of awareness of aflatoxin was very high in states where Aflasafe was promoted as an intervention for aflat toxin management, and there was a consistent increase in the usage ofAflasafe since its introduction in 2010.
Abstract: Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin that can cause cancer and death and is associated with stunted growth. Prevalence of aflatoxin is widespread in Africa negatively impacting health and trade. Aflasafe is a biological control product that can be applied to maize or groundnut fields to reduce aflatoxin contamination. This study examines the levels of aflatoxin and Aflasafe awareness and understanding among smallholder maize farmers in Nigeria. In addition, the factors affecting Aflasafe purchase patterns and sustained usage over multiple growing seasons by farmers were evaluated. In-person surveys of 902 Nigerian smallholder farmers were conducted during October and November of 2016. This work contributes to the existing literature by documenting awareness levels of aflatoxin and use of Aflasafe as a control in Nigeria. Results suggest that the level of awareness of aflatoxin was very high in states where Aflasafe was promoted as an intervention for aflatoxin management. In Kaduna state, the region with the longest intervention, there was a consistent increase in the usage of Aflasafe since its introduction in 2010. Furthermore, farmers who purchase Aflasafe bundled (combined) with other inputs were more likely to persist in using the product. Education was found to significantly and positively impact continued usage of Aflasafe. Continued interventions, promotion and general education of the public are recommended for increased awareness, trial, and adoption of Aflasafe in Nigeria.
TL;DR: An overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility is presented.
Abstract: It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxins in utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.
TL;DR: Worldwide recognition that aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities by the fungus Aspergillus flavus is a global problem has significantly benefitted from global collaboration for understanding the contaminating fungus, as well as for developing and implementing solutions against the contamination.
Abstract: Worldwide recognition that aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities by the fungus Aspergillus flavus is a global problem has significantly benefitted from global collaboration for understanding the contaminating fungus, as well as for developing and implementing solutions against the contamination. The effort to address this serious food and feed safety issue has led to a detailed understanding of the taxonomy, ecology, physiology, genomics and evolution of A. flavus, as well as strategies to reduce or control pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination, including (1) biological control, using atoxigenic aspergilli, (2) proteomic and genomic analyses for identifying resistance factors in maize as potential breeding markers to enable development of resistant maize lines, and (3) enhancing host-resistance by bioengineering of susceptible crops, such as cotton, maize, peanut and tree nuts. A post-harvest measure to prevent the occurrence of aflatoxin contamination in storage is also an important component...
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of food safety concerns and analytical adaptations required to determine the polar aflatoxins in peanut oil is presented, where the authors highlight food safety issues and address inter alia the analytical adaptation required for determining the polar anion in the peanut oil.
Abstract: Aflatoxins are widely recognised as important natural contaminants of a wide range of foods, including maize and peanuts (groundnuts), which form part of the staple diet in many countries of the developing world, especially in Africa. There is a frequent misconception based on solubility considerations and developed market surveys that aflatoxins do not occur in peanut oil. Thus, the use of peanut oil in human food is frequently overlooked as a source of aflatoxin exposure, yet artisanal oil extraction from contaminated peanuts in local facilities in the developing world results in carryover of these mycotoxins into the oil. Consequently, these peanut oils can have high contamination levels. This review highlights food safety concerns and addresses inter alia the analytical adaptations required to determine the polar aflatoxins in peanut oil. The determination of aflatoxins in peanut oil was first achieved by thin-layer chromatography, which was later mostly superseded by high-performance liquid chromatog...
TL;DR: The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are surrounded by water bodies such as the Mediterranean Sea as mentioned in this paper, which is characterised by high temperatures and high humidity in North African countries, such as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
Abstract: North African countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) are surrounded by water bodies, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Their climate is characterised by high temperatures and ...
TL;DR: A cluster randomised controlled trial was performed in three agro-ecological zones of Tanzania to evaluate the effectiveness of locally available post-harvest mitigation strategies in preventing and reducing aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in maize and subsequent dietary exposure to infants.
Abstract: A cluster randomised controlled trial was performed in three agro-ecological zones of Tanzania to evaluate the effectiveness of locally available post-harvest mitigation strategies in preventing an...
TL;DR: The current work show similarity to previous studies, that mycotoxin-related issues in aquaculture industry has grown as manufacturers and producers realise the importance of mycotoxins, beyond aflatoxin, and their potential to impact production.
Abstract: The awareness of mycotoxin-related issues in aquaculture industry has grown as manufacturers and producers realise the importance of mycotoxins, beyond aflatoxin, and their potential to impact production. During a period of one year (January 2016 – December 2016), 175 samples of different plant proteins, aquaculture/fishery by-products and finished aquaculture feeds, were analysed. Samples were tested for aflatoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2); zearalenone; type B trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol (DON); nivalenol; 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol; 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and fusarenon X-glucoside); fumonisins (fumonisin B1, B2 and B3); type A trichothecenes (T-2 and HT-2 toxin; diacetoxyscirpenol and neosolaniol); and ochratoxin A. All samples were sourced in Southeast Asia. Within the analysed samples, 4% were free of detectable mycotoxins. 8% of the samples had one mycotoxin and 88% of the samples were contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. The current work show similarity to previous studies, that mycotoxin ...
TL;DR: The recent studies of human exposure in six African countries show the widespread exposure of vulnerable populations to aflatoxins, and highlight the urgent need for measures to reduce the burden of aflatoxin exposure in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract: Aflatoxins are a group of carcinogenic mycotoxins that have been implicated to have other adverse health impacts, including child growth impairment and immune function suppression. Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic and most common of the aflatoxins. Contamination of various food crops is common in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in staple crops such as maize and groundnuts, leading to chronic dietary exposure in many populations. For many years we have used the aflatoxin albumin adduct as a biomarker of aflatoxin exposure, assessed using a competitive inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Here, we review our recent studies of human exposure in six African countries; Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. This data shows the widespread exposure of vulnerable populations to aflatoxin. Geometric mean (95% confidence interval) levels of the biomarker ranged from 9.7 pg/mg (8.2, 11.5) in Ugandan children to 578.5 pg/mg (461.4, 717.6) in Kenyan adolescents during an acute aflatoxicosis outbreak year. We describe how various factors may have influenced the variation in aflatoxin exposure in our studies. Together, these studies highlight the urgent need for measures to reduce the burden of aflatoxin exposure in sub-Saharan Africa.
TL;DR: The results indicated that a biologically relevant level of AFB1 (32 nM) induces apoptosis in astrocytes through ATP depletion and caspases activation.
Abstract: Although brain accumulation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) suggests potential impact on brain cells, including astrocytes, there still exists a scarcity of research on this issue within the literature. Thi...
TL;DR: An extended analysis of urinary multiple mycotoxin levels and associations with background characteristics and food groups was performed and a positive correlation was found between urinary NIV and total cereal consumption among adults and children.
Abstract: Biomarker-based methods are being more and more used to assess dietary exposure of mycotoxins in a population. The aim of the present study was to perform an extended analysis of urinary multiple m...
TL;DR: The phytochemical properties of ergot alkaloids, produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, are contaminants of cereal crops, and they have an important role in the spoilage process.
Abstract: Ergot alkaloids, produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, are contaminants of cereal crops. Depending on various factors, the relative composition of individual ergot alkaloids can differ among s...
TL;DR: The suitability of the fumonisin esterase FumD as a feed additive (FUMzyme®) for the prevention of fumoniain toxicity in pigs is evaluated by using a combination of different fumonianin biomarkers (sphinganine to sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio in serum and organs, concentrations of fUMonisin B1 and hydrolysed derivatives in urine and faeces).
Abstract: Fumonisins are among the most prevalent mycotoxins in feedstuffs. They disrupt the sphingolipid metabolism, thereby inducing a plethora of toxic effects in livestock. Supplementation with mycotoxin-degrading enzymes is a promising strategy for the detoxification of feedstuffs in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract. Here, we evaluated the suitability of the fumonisin esterase FumD as a feed additive (FUMzyme®) for the prevention of fumonisin toxicity in pigs by using a combination of different fumonisin biomarkers (sphinganine to sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio in serum and organs, concentrations of fumonisin B1 and hydrolysed derivatives in urine and faeces). In a pre-trial, we exposed pigs to 30 mg/kg fumonisins in feed and found the minimum effective dose of FUMzyme to be 15 U/kg. In a second trial we investigated the long-term efficacy of this minimum effective FUMzyme dose to counteract toxic effects elicited by 6 weeks of exposure to 2.5 mg/kg fumonisins in a diet containing naturally contaminated maize. S...
TL;DR: This perspective review summarises the advances that were observed in the past two decades within the deoxynivalenol (DON) bio-detoxification field and highlights the research efforts and progresses that were made in the arena of the aerobic oxidation and epimerization of this mycotoxin at the C3 carbon carried out by multiple Devosia species.
Abstract: The search for feasible biological means of detoxifying mycotoxins has attained successful accomplishments in the past twenty years due to the involvement of many teams coming from diverse backgrounds and research expertise. The recently witnessed breakthroughs in the field of bacterial genomics (including next-generation sequencing), proteomics, and computational biology helped all in shaping the current understanding of how microorganisms/mycotoxins/environmental factors intertwined and interact together, hence paving the road for some substantial discoveries. This perspective review summarises the advances that were observed in the past two decades within the deoxynivalenol (DON) bio-detoxification field. It highlights the research efforts and progresses that were made in the arena of the aerobic oxidation and epimerization of this mycotoxin at the C3 carbon carried out by multiple Devosia species. Moreover, it sets practical examples and discusses how the recent standing-knowledge of bacterial detoxif...
TL;DR: The Fusarium breeding program using only adapted and more resistant parents generally gave closer results to exotic breeds, and several highly resistant genotypes were produced as a result.
Abstract: Since resistance is the most important agent in regulating deoxynivalenol (DON), breeding for higher resistance is the key to improve food safety. Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) show a closer corre...
TL;DR: Hermetic containers were more effective than conventional stores in limiting contamination of maize with AFB1 and subsequent human exposure to these toxins, and therefore hermetic storage containers are recommended to smallholder maize producers for safe and effective limitation of AFB1 contamination during storage.
Abstract: There is limited empirical evidence on the efficacy of hermetic storage containers in reducing mycotoxin occurrence in stored maize grain under smallholder field conditions Levels of aflatoxin B1
TL;DR: For most metabolites quantifiable in oshkundu, transfer rates from cereals to oshikundu were above 50%, necessitating the use of good quality ingredients for preparing oshicundu and assessment of consumer exposure to mycotoxins.
Abstract: Sorghum and pearl millet, ingredients for the popular Namibian traditional fermented beverage oshikundu, are prone to fungal infection, raising concerns for consumer health from mycotoxin exposure....