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Overview of the Aflatoxin Challenge (i.e. Aflatoxin 101)
Abt Associates, Inc.
December 3, 2012
Abt Associates | pg 2
Aflatoxin is a secondary metabolite from two Aspergillus strains
Abt Associates | pg 3
Contamination is worse during dry periods.During droughts the zone containing contaminated crops enlarges.
35°N35°N
35°S35°S Zone with PerennialContamination Risk
Aflatoxin contamination is a perennial concern in warm climates
Source: Peter J. Cotty, USDA/ARS
Abt Associates | pg 4
Cereals: maize, wheat, barley, sorghum, rice
Oilseeds: peanuts, cotton seed, other nuts
Some spices
Some vegetables
Aflatoxin affects many crops
CIMMYT, 1997
Abt Associates | pg 5
Phase I: Before Maturity
Developing crops become infected
Associated with crop damage (insect, bird, stress).
Crop may exhibit BGYF (bright-green-yellow fluorescence).
Favored by high temperature (night) and dry conditions.
Phase II: After Maturity
Level increases in mature crop.
May occur before or after harvest.
Seed is vulnerable ‘til consumed.
Associated with high humidity in the field, improper crop storage or transportation.
Rain on the mature crop increases contamination.
Aflatoxin Contamination of Crops Occurs in Two Phases
Source: Peter J. Cotty, USDA/ARS
Abt Associates | pg 6
= less than 2,500 ppb
= infected and no toxin
= 2,500 to 15,000 ppb
= over 15,000 ppb
Lee, et al., 1980. Cereal Chemistry 57:340-343.
Aflatoxin prevalence can vary even within a single ear of cornAflatoxin prevalence can vary even within a single ear of corn
Source: Peter J. Cotty, USDA/ARS
Abt Associates | pg 7
Aflatoxins are a significant health problem in developing countries
AFT exposure causes a significant health burden in Africa and East Asia especially
A number of health effects can occur, that are often interacting with other disease factors (e.g. infection, malnutrition)
Outbreaks of acute aflatoxicosis have been reported in some countries, with documented fatalities in Kenya
25,200-155,000 aflatoxin-induced liver cancer cases globally each year, of which 40% are estimated to be within Africa
Aflatoxin is believed to have synergistic interactions with Hepatitis B
Immunosuppression may mean raise susceptibility to Tuberculosis, Malaria, perhaps other or communicable disease
Childhood stunting is suspected
Abt Associates | pg 8
Abt Associates | pg 9
Aflatoxin Market
20 ppb≥ Detoxification
500 ppb> Blender
300 ppb> Beef feedlot
200 ppb> Feed producer
100 ppb> Feed Markets
20 ppb>Human Food;
Feed
15 ppb> Corn Flour Mill
10 ppb> Corn Processor
1 ppb> Nuts for Export
0.5 ppb> Discounted Milk
0.3 ppb> Full Value Milk
US FDA Action Level
Permitted Use(Examples)
500 ppb Middleman (Blender)
300 ppb Finishing Beef
200 ppb Finishing Swine
100 ppbBreeding beef and
swine; mature poultry
20 ppb Human Food, Feed
0.5 ppb (M1) Milk
Ideally uses can be found/permitted for differfent levels of contamination
