Inhibition of aflatoxins and ochratoxin a production in corn [Zea mays] by certain food preservatives

ABSTRACT

The effect of propionic acid, ammonia and methionine on aflatoxins and ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus parasiticus and Penicillium verrucosum in autoclaved and non-autoclaved corn was investigated. The tested mycotoxins were determined by HPLC using fluorescence detector. The results indicated that the inhibition of toxins production vary between the three tested preservatives and the concentration of each as well. The higher inhibition of toxins production was obtained using a mixture which consists of equal volumes of propionic acid [65%], ammonia [2%] and methionine [0.2%]. In non-autoclaved corn, the inhibition of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin G1 production was 99.6% and 99.7% respectively, while aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G2 and ochratoxin A production were completely inhibited. Meanwhile, in autoclaved corn, the inhibition of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A reached 83.0%, 83.6%, 85.7%, 83.1% and 86.4%, respectively