Determination of aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in organic wheat flour under different storage conditions

Abstract

Summary Samples of flour derived from an organic wheat seed cultivated in the region Abruzzo (Central Italy) were examined for the detection of aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and zearalenone after storage in the presence of oxygen or under vacuum, for one year. They were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone and with diode array detector for deoxynivalenol. An immunoaffinity column clean‐up was applied for all the compounds, except for aflatoxin determination, which required a solid‐phase extraction. Recoveries (range: 76–107%) and within‐laboratory reproducibility (RSD% < 10.3) met the performance criteria of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 519/2014 amending Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 for the detection of mycotoxins in foodstuffs. Analytes were below the detection limit of the method, and this result was probably due to the quality of organic seed and good agricultural practices performed for the prevention of mycotoxin formation.