Fumonsin B1, B2, and B3 content of commercial unprocessed maize imported into South Africa from Argentina and the USA during 1992.
Abstract: The widespread occurrence of F. moniliforme and the toxic effects of its secondary metabolites, the fumonisins B1(FB1), B2(FB2) and B3(FB3), make it imperative that fumonisin contamination of maize, a major constituent of animal feed as well as the staple diet of many populations, be closely monitored to reduce the risk of fumonisin exposure. Equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary oedema have been associated with the intake of feed heavily contaminated with fumonisins. In addition, high levels of fumonisins in the maize-based staple diets of certain populations have been linked to a high incidence of oesophageal cancer in the Transkei region of South Africa and in Linxian and Cixian Counties, China. Bulk shipments of maize imported into South Africa from the USA and Argentina during 1992 were sampled at the port of entry to determine fumonisin levels. Of the 79 samples from two US shipments, all were positive for fumonisins, with FB1 constituting approximately 71% of the total fumonisins with an overall mean of 2.35 micrograms/gFB1. The maximum FB1 level observed was 3.9 micrograms/g. These levels contrast with those obtained from two Argentinian bulk shipments, which also were all positive for fumonisins, but had a mean FB1 level of 0.31 microgram/g and a maximum observed level of 0.7 microgram/g FB1 measured over 47 composite samples.
Publication Date: 1999-04-21 PubMed ID: 10209578DOI: 10.1080/02652039809374697Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article investigates the levels of fumonisins (a type of mold toxin) present in unprocessed corn imported into South Africa from the USA and Argentina in 1992. The study aims to ensure that the risk of fumonisin exposure, associated with various health consequences in both animals and humans, is minimized.
Background and Need for the Study
- Fusarium moniliforme is a widespread fungus that produces toxins called fumonisins.
- These toxins, specifically fumonisin B1, B2, and B3, are poisonous to both humans and animals.
- Since maize is a primary component of animal feed and a staple food for humans, it is crucial to monitor its fumonisin contamination.
- Animal diseases such as equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary edema are linked to fumonisin-heavy feed.
- People who consume maize-based diets with high fumonisin levels are prone to a higher risk of esophageal cancer, seen particularly in certain regions in South Africa and China.
Methodology of the Study
- The study involved sampling bulk imports of maize at South African ports of entry from Argentina and the USA.
- A total of 79 corn samples from two US shipments and 47 samples from two Argentinean shipments were taken and tested for fumonisin levels.
Findings of the Study
- All 79 samples from the US were found to be positive for fumonisin contamination.
- The content of fumonisin B1 (unsatisfactory mycotoxins) made up about 71% of the total detected fumonisins.
- The observed average of fumonisin was 2.35 micrograms/gFb1 with a maximum of 3.9 micrograms/g.
- In contrast, all Argentinean shipments were also found to be fumonisin positive but had a significantly lower mean value of 0.31 microgram/g and 0.7 microgram/g as a maximum observed level.
Implications of the Study
- The results demonstrate that fumonisin contamination is a critical issue in commercial maize shipped to South Africa from both the USA and Argentina.
- The presence of these toxins carries implications for public health and animal welfare, considering the associated risks of consuming fumonisin-contaminated food.
- The significantly higher concentration in US maize imports underlines the need for stringent quality control and monitoring to minimize fumonisin exposure.
- Continued monitoring and inspection of imported maize can help prevent the risk of diseases in humans and animals associated with high consumption of fumonisins.
Cite This Article
APA
Stockenström S, Sydenham EW, Shephard GS.
(1999).
Fumonsin B1, B2, and B3 content of commercial unprocessed maize imported into South Africa from Argentina and the USA during 1992.
Food Addit Contam, 15(6), 676-680.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02652039809374697 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Programme on Mycotoxins and Experimental Carcinogenesis, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Argentina
- Carcinogens, Environmental / analysis
- Food Contamination / analysis
- Humans
- Mycotoxins / analysis
- United States
- Zea mays / chemistry
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Ghiasian SA, Aghamirian MR, Maghsood AH, Shephard GS, van der Westhuizen L. Occurrence of fumonisins in maize imported into Iran during 2001-2002.. Mycotoxin Res 2009 Mar;25(1):25-8.
- Ono EY, Sugiura Y, Homechin M, Kamogae M, Vizzoni E, Ueno Y, Hirooka EY. Effect of climatic conditions on natural mycoflora and fumonisins in freshly harvested corn of the State of Paraná, Brazil.. Mycopathologia 1999;147(3):139-48.
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