Mycotoxin concentrations in rice are affected by chalkiness, grain shape, processing type, and grain origin

• DOI: 10.1007/s12550-024-00575-w
• Publication Date: 2024-11-27T01:43:45Z
• Authors: Erasmus N. Tang; Sali A. Ndindeng; Geoffrey Onaga; Alejandro Ortega-...; Titilayo D. O. Fa...; Rousseau Djouaka; Michael Frei
• Keywords: Food contaminant

Abstract Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) pose a risk to public health due their carcinogenic potency (AFs FBs) anti-nutritional effects. The hazards associated with mycotoxins are accentuated where food management practices, control, regulatory systems from farm plate sub-optimal. Information on the frequency of these in rice commercialized markets sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is limited. current study examined AF concentrations 527 samples collected 54 five SSA countries. Grain quality characteristics, processing methods, origin were contrasted toxin levels. In total, 72% had detectable AFs levels (range = 3.0 89.8 µg/kg). Forty-seven percent (47%) above 4 µg/kg, European Union maximum level (ML), evaluated for cooccurrence FBs, ZEN, DON. Total ZEN cooccurred 40% samples, 30% positive ML 75 µg/kg. did not co-occur FBs Multivariate analysis revealed that length-to-width ratio ( p < 0.0001), mixed variety width 0.04), chalkiness 0.009) significantly influenced aflatoxin concentrations. Slender grains higher than bold medium 0.0001). Possible strategies mitigate mycotoxin contamination include improving grain traits practicing proper drying hermetic storage before after milling. These findings provide valuable insights both domestic international actors establishing strengthening regulations contamination.