Assessment of the Health Quality Related to the Presence of Ochratoxin A, Fumonisin B1 and Zearalenone in Maize (Zea mays l.) Produced in Côte D’ivoire

Abstract

Aims : The aim of this work is to take stock of the level of ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and zearalenone (ZEA) contamination in maize produced in Cote d'Ivoire in order to help improve its quality. Study Design: Maize samples (375) were taken in five producing regions (Poro, Hambol, Gontougo, Gbêkê, Indénié-Djuablin). Place and Duration of Study: the collection was carried out on maize in grain, on the cob and in spathe from February 2016 to January 2017. Then, the analyzes were carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Agriculture and Development of Biological Resources of the Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY University. Methodology: The determination of ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone was carried out according to the methods of regulation No. 401/2006/EC, AFNOR, Miraglia and Brera. Results: The results indicate the presence of ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone in all forms of maize (grains, cob, spathes) and the five regions visited. However, the average concentrations of fumonisin B1 and zearalenone are respectively 27.46 µg/kg-1999.22 µg/kg and 8.48 µg/kg-341.84 µg/kg and are lower than the prescribed reference standards (2000 µg/kg ; 500 µg/kg). For ochratoxin A, the average concentrations vary from 0.83 µg/kg to 14.38 µg/kg ; 1.92 µg/kg to 18.60 µg/kg and 2.21 µg/kg to 134.89 µg/kg respectively for grains, cob and spathes. Samples from the Regions of Poro, Gbêkê and Hambol have mean concentrations below the maximum reference limit of 5µg/kg. Thus, variability in the sanitary quality of maize was demonstrated from one region to another, regardless of the form of the maize. Based on the principal component analysis, spathes represent the form of maize most prone to high contamination regardless of mycotoxin and région. Conclusion: The searching alternative storage methods and the right form of maize storage could be a solution to the high mycotoxin contamination of marketed maize.