ASSESSING RISK FOR AFLATOXIN EXPOSURE THROUGH MAIZE FOOD INTAKE IN VERACRUZ CITY (MEXICO)

摘要

Maize is one of the most consumed foods in Mexico and the world. Added to this there is evidence of the presence of large amounts of mycotoxins produced by mushrooms in corn. Besides the quality of maize products, it is essential to know if the population is consuming a significant amount of these products because high consumption can lead to health problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the consumption of maize products to assess aflatoxin exposure in a major city in Mexico (Veracruz). To achieve this objective two types of questionnaires were used: a Food Frequency Questionnaire and a recall record. The resulting consumption data were expressed in terms of maize content (g maize/day). Results showed tortillas were the product with the highest intake. Average consumption of tortilla corresponds to 241.15 g maize/day and 157.54 g maize/day for men and women, respectively. Aflatoxin exposure was higher for men compared with women exposure.