Maize contamination by zearalenone and T-2 toxin and human exposure in Nigeria

Abstract

  Maize is one of the most important staple cereal grains grown and consumed in Nigeria. One hundred and four maize samples destined for human consumption were collected from thirteen popular different markets during a survey of three agro-ecological zones (AEZ) and levels of zearalenone (ZEA) and T-2 toxin (T-2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of ZEA contamination of maize samples ranged from < 50 μg/kg to 196 μg/kg. Although, ZEA was detected in 37% of the total maize samples, only 3.8% of these maize samples exceeded the EU maximum recommended limit for ZEA in unprocessed cereals of 100 μg/kg. Also, T-2 toxin was detected in 36% of the total maize samples, and the range of contamination was < 7.5 to 29 μg/kg. At present, there is no EU maximum tolerable limit for this toxin in unprocessed cereals. Eighteen samples constituting 17% of the total samples were found to be contaminated with the two toxins. On the distribution of these toxins on AEZ, the Derived Savanna (DS) zone had more positive samples of 50 and 38% for ZEA and T-2 respectively than the other two AEZ, though more samples were collected from Southern Guinea Savanna (SGS).