Evaluation of Five Major Mycotoxins Co-contaminating Two Cereal Grains from Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the co-occurrence of five major mycotoxins in two Nigerian cereal grains destined for human consumption. Study Design: Nigeria experiences high humidity and high temperatures for up to three-quarters of the year; and these are some of the conditions that promote mycotoxin production by filamentous fungi in food commodities. In this regard, rice and maize samples were collected from stores and markets in South Eastern and South Western Nigeria and evaluated for occurrence of five major mycotoxins-aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B 1 (FB 1 ), Fumonisin B 2 (FB 2 ), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA).