Fumonisin mycotoxin contamination of corn-based foods consumed by potentially pregnant women in southern California.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a sample of locally available corn-based foods for fumonisin contamination. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed 38 corn tortilla and masa flour samples from Los Angeles, San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico,for fumonisin contamination. Retail sources were diverse and not limited to Hispanic neighborhoods. RESULTS: Fumonisins were found in all samples. The median fumonisin B1 mycotoxin level was 84 ng/g, with a range of 1-729 (n = 38). The median total fumonisin level was 231 ng/g, with a range of 2.8-1,863. Levels of fumonisins differed by geographic site. CONCLUSION: Fumonisin contamination of corn-based foods in southern California is common. At levels of contamination > 1,000 ng/g, a 60-kg potentially pregnant woman could exceed the World Health Organization recommendations by eating 120 g (dry weight) of corn products daily. Fumonisin contamination may constitute a preventable risk for NTDs among susceptible reproductive-age women and their progeny.