Fumonisin mycotoxin contamination of corn-based foods consumed by potentially pregnant women in southern California.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a sample of locally available corn-based foods for fumonisin contamination.


METHODS
We analyzed 38 corn tortilla and masa flour samples from Los Angeles, San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico,for fumonisin contamination. Retail sources were diverse and not limited to Hispanic neighborhoods.


RESULTS
Fumonisins were found in all samples. The median fumonisin B1 mycotoxin level was 84 ng/g, with a range of 1-729 (n = 38). The median total fumonisin level was 231 ng/g, with a range of 2.8-1,863. Levels of fumonisins differed by geographic site.


CONCLUSIONS
Fumonisin contamination of corn-based foods in southern California is common. At levels of contamination > 1,000 ng/g, a 60-kg potentially pregnant woman could exceed the World Health Organization recommendations by eating 120 g (dry weight) of corn products daily. Fumonisin contamination may constitute a preventable risk for NTDs among susceptible reproductive-age women and their progeny.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Natalia J
NJ
Dvorak
Ronald T
RT
Riley
Mary
M
Harris
James A
JA
McGregor
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D037341:Fumonisins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008800:Mexico; D011247:Pregnancy; D013723:Teratogens / Q000032:analysis*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*
D037341:Fumonisins; D013723:Teratogens