Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in maize of Punjab, Pakistan.
Aflatoxin and ochratoxin levels were determined in maize samples collected from store houses of 15 districts belonging to three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. Toxins were extracted by Aflaochra immunoaffinity columns and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean moisture content of maize kernels was recorded above the safe storage level of 15%. Results indicated that aflatoxin B1 and B2 contamination was found in 97.3% and 78.9% of the collected samples, respectively. Aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2 and ochratoxin A were not detected in any sample. Among positive samples, 77.3% contained aflatoxin B1 and 28% aflatoxin B2, exceeding the legal limits as set by the European Union (EU) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). It was concluded that a significant number of samples contained aflatoxin B1 and B2 above the legal limits.
a Institute of Agricultural Sciences , University of the Punjab , Lahore , Pakistan.
Wajiha
W
Iram
Tehmina
T
Anjum
Mateen
M
Abbas
Abdul Muqeet
AM
Khan
D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D002846:Chromatography, Affinity; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D057230:Limit of Detection; D009793:Ochratoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D010154:Pakistan; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry*
D000348:Aflatoxins; D009793:Ochratoxins; C025589:ochratoxin A
HPLC; aflatoxins; immunoaffinity; maize; moisture