Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
ELIME Enzyme Linked Immuno Magnetic Electrochemical Method for Mycotoxin Detection
Published on: October 23, 2009
Development and evaluation of a sensitive mycotoxin risk assessment model (MYCORAM)
Hester-Mari Burger1, Martani J Lombard2, Gordon S Shephard3
1Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville 7535, South Africa Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa burgerh@cput.ac.za.
South African maize consumers show low risk from fumonisin, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone mycotoxins. A new model, MYCORAM, assesses exposure and ensures safety for all population groups, including vulnerable ones.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Public health nutrition
- Risk assessment modeling
Background:
- Mycotoxin contamination in staple foods like maize poses a significant public health concern globally.
- South Africa's population exhibits varied dietary habits and demographics, influencing differential exposure to mycotoxins.
- Existing risk assessment methods may not fully capture the nuances of mycotoxin exposure across diverse South African consumer groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the differential risk of exposure to fumonisin (FB), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA) mycotoxins among South African maize consumers.
- To develop and evaluate a sensitive mycotoxin risk assessment model (MYCORAM) stratified by province and ethnicity.
- To determine the probable daily intake (PDI) of these mycotoxins and compare it against the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional grain consumer survey was conducted across South Africa's nine provinces.
- Per capita maize intake was stratified by gender, ethnicity, and province.
- Probable daily intake (PDI) was calculated using SPECIAL and SUPER dry milled maize fractions, and a novel MYCORAM was developed and evaluated.
Main Results:
- Estimated mean PDIs for all subgroups and provinces were below the PMTDI for FB, DON, and ZEA.
- Men and the Black African ethnic group exhibited higher average maize consumption.
- The developed MYCORAM effectively predicted the percentage of the population exposed above the PMTDI, demonstrating its sensitivity and utility.
Conclusions:
- Overall, South African maize consumers are at a low risk of exposure to the assessed mycotoxins based on current consumption patterns.
- The MYCORAM provides a valuable tool for precise mycotoxin risk assessment and safety modeling, safeguarding vulnerable populations.
- The model can predict maximum tolerated levels to ensure the safety of all South African maize consumers.
More Related Videos
10:01Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
08:56Detection of Regulated Ergot Alkaloids in Food Matrices by Liquid Chromatography-Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Published on: November 22, 2024
