Deoxynivalenol in wheat, maize, wheat flour and pasta: surveys in Hungary in 2008-2015

Among Fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common contaminant in case of cereals and cereal-based foods in Hungary. In this study, Hungarian wheat (n = 305), maize (n = 108), wheat flour (n = 179) and pasta (n = 226) samples were analysed (N = 818). The samples were collected during 2008-2015 in Hungary. Applied methods of analysis were enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid-chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. Results were compared and evaluated with Hungarian weather data. Among cereal samples, in 2011, wheat was contaminated with DON (overall average ± standard deviation was 2159 ± 2818 µg kg^-1), which was above the maximum limit (ML). In case of wheat flour and pasta, no average values above ML were found during 2008-2015, but higher DON contamination could be observed in 2011 as well (wheat flour: 537 ± 573 µg kg^-1; pasta: 511 ± 175 µg kg^-1).