Fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn-based products commercialized in the State of Santa Catarina - Southern Brazil

Abstract

Corn flour, "canjica" (corn grits), cornflakes and popcorn for human consumption, commercialized in Santa Catarina (n=82), were analyzed in order to detect the presence of fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2). From the samples, 92.68% showed detectable levels of Fumonisins (FBs). Corn flour showed the highest level of contamination (91.5%) with average levels of 3.811 and 5.737 μg/g for the home-processed and industrialized products, respectively. The next most contaminated product was popcorn with a average of 2.872 μg/g and an occurrence in 91.6% of the samples. All samples of corn flakes were contaminated with an average of 1.307 μg/g. The product with the lowest levels of FBs was "canjica" with a average contamination of 0.732 μg/g. These results indicated the need of monitoring corn-based products in this state.