Mycotoxins in developing countries: A case study of maize in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Safety
• Mycology

Background:

• Maize (Zea mays) is a staple food crop in Nepal.
• Maize in Nepal is frequently contaminated with Fusarium species, producing fumonisins and trichothecenes.
• These mycotoxins can exceed levels of concern for human health, particularly in maize from smallholder farms and markets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the contamination levels of mycotoxins in Nepalese maize.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional processing methods in mycotoxin reduction.
• To identify practical strategies for mitigating mycotoxin risks in maize.

Main Methods:

• Surveys of maize contamination with Fusarium species.
• Analysis of mycotoxin levels (fumonisins and trichothecenes).
• Evaluation of traditional maize fermentation and hand-sorting techniques.

Main Results:

• Fusarium verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. graminearum were identified as major contaminating species.
• Maize samples frequently showed fumonisin and trichothecene contamination above 1000 ng/g.
• Traditional maize beer fermentation did not eliminate mycotoxins, but hand-sorting visibly diseased kernels was effective in detoxification.

Conclusions:

• Mycotoxin contamination in Nepalese maize presents a significant food safety concern.
• Hand-sorting offers a viable method for reducing mycotoxin levels in contaminated maize.
• Integrated strategies, including resistant cultivars and improved agricultural practices, are crucial for long-term risk reduction.