Fumonisin B1 Levels in Cereals and Feeds From Southern Brazil

Abstract

A survey was conducted to evaluate fumonisin B1 (FB1) contamination in cereals and feeds of southern Brazil. A total of 407 samples was obtained from different local warehouses and feed industries between January 1996 and June 1998. Extraction of FB1 was performed with acetonitrilewater (50+50, v/v) and cleanup with end-capped C18 silica columns; the extracted mycotoxin was resolved by liquid chromatography with o-phthaldialdehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol derivatization, and identified by fluorescence. Positive results were found in 32.2% of the samples assayed. FB1 concentrations varied from 0.086 to 78.92 µg/g, and the highest levels recorded were: 14.21 µg/g in rice; 68.33 µg/g in feed; 78.92 µg/g in corn; 24.35 µg/g in wheat; 0.17 µg/g in oat; and 2.43 µg/ g in barley. No detectable levels of this mycotoxin were found in soybean meal samples. The results demonstrate that cereals harvested in southern Brazil were contaminated with FB1. Considering that these products are consumed in large amounts either directly or as components of foods and feeds, the levels of contamination reported herein indicate a potential threat to animal and public health.