Effect of microwave oven processing treatments on reduction of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in maize flour

Abstract

The effect of microwave heat has been evaluated for reduction of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in artificially contaminated maize flour. Contaminated maize flour were heated in microwave for various times at two different power levels. The results suggest that Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A contamination can be reduced by heating samples using microwave oven. The exposure time to heat appears to have a great effect in reduction both of the toxins in maize flour samples. It is also necessary to pay attention on initial concentrations of Aflatoxin B1 or Ochratoxin A in studied maize flour samples.