Kwinbon Mycotoxin Testing Program in Corn

Fall is the season for corn harvest, generally speaking, when the milky line of the corn kernel disappears, a black layer appears at the base, and the moisture content of the kernel drops to a certain level, the corn can be considered ripe and ready for harvest. Corn harvested at this time is not only high yield and good quality, but also conducive to subsequent storage and processing.

Corn is popular as one of the staple grains. However, at the same time, corn may also contain some mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1, vomitoxin and zearalenone, which are potentially hazardous to human and animal health, and therefore require effective testing methods and control measures to ensure the safety and quality of corn and its products.

1. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)

Main features: Aflatoxin is a common mycotoxin, of which aflatoxin B1 is one of the most widespread, toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins. It is physicochemical stable and needs to reach a high temperature of 269℃ to be destroyed.

Hazards: Acute poisoning may manifest as fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, etc. In severe cases, ascites, swelling of lower limbs, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or even sudden death may occur. Long-term intake of aflatoxin B1 is associated with an increase in the incidence of liver cancer, especially those with hepatitis are more susceptible to its attack and cause liver cancer.

2. Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol, DON)

Main features: Vomitoxin is another common mycotoxin, its physicochemical properties are stable, even at a high temperature of 120 ℃, and it is not easy to be destroyed under acidic conditions.

Hazards: Poisoning is mainly manifested in the digestive system and nervous system symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc., some may also appear weakness, general discomfort, flushing, unsteady pace and other symptoms like drunkenness.

3. Zearalenone (ZEN)

Main features: Zearalenone is a kind of non-steroidal, mycotoxin with estrogenic properties, its physicochemical properties are stable, and its contamination in corn is more common.

Hazards: It mainly acts on the reproductive system, and is most sensitive to animals such as sows, and can cause sterility and abortion. Although there are no reports of human poisoning, it is thought that estrogen-related human diseases may be related to the toxin.