Fumonisins B1 and B2 in maize from the Republic of Serbia over ten years

Abstract

Fumonisin (FUMs) mycotoxins present a group of hydrophilic secondary metabolites of Fusarium and Aspergillus fungal species. Food and feed contamination by FUMs is an unavoidable issue worldwide, due to their toxic effect on human and animal health. Epidemiological research has revealed that in high-exposure populations, FUMs are associated with oesophageal cancer, primary liver cancer, neural tube defects, and cardiovascular diseases. FUMs can be divided into four major groups: fumonisin A, B, C and P series. In terms of toxicity and occurrence frequency, the most abundant and toxic FUMs analogue is fumonisin B1 (FB1), which contributes to approximately 70 % of FUMs and is one of the most common mycotoxins contaminating feed and food. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), FB1 has been classified as a Group 2B potential carcinogenic to humans. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), FUMs most often occur in maize and its products. Therefore, although maize contains quality nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and E, and many minerals, which contribute significant health benefits to the human body, there is a need for continuous monitoring and analysis of FUMs in maize and its products. Maize presents one of the most prevalent cereal crops in the world and forms a staple food in many countries, including Serbia, therefore it should be completely health-safety. In Serbia, maize covers about 35 % of the total planted area of field crops. The occurrence of FB1 and fumonisin B2 (FB2) was investigated in Serbian maize samples collected during ten years. Furthermore, the second aim was to examine the influence of weather conditions on their concentration in the investigated maize samples. The obtained results showed that a high occurrence of FB1 and FB2 was detected in maize samples from each of the examined years, regardless of the different weather conditions recorded in the examined ten years. With regard to this issue, it could be considered that the Republic of Serbia may become susceptible to problems concerning FUMs in maize, which is why there is a constant need for monitoring and determination of FUMs in maize.