Detection of Deoxynivaenol (DON) Toxin in some Samples of Corn Chips and Corn Flex Collected from Local Markets

Abstract

Eighteen samples of yellow corn chips, popcorn and corn flex of various origins were collected from local markets in Tikrit. In order to detect the fungal contamination of these samples, it cultured on the potato dextros agar (PDA), with three replicates for each sample. Also, the test for the presence of Deoxynivalenol toxin (DON) were done, using an ELISA kit. The results were showan that there are five types of fungi that contaminate the samples under study with varying proportions. It was found that all samples were contaminated with Penicillium spp., while Nine samples were contaminated with Aspergillus niger, and. Six samples were contaminated with Fusarium spp.. However, Cladosporium herbarum was appeared in three samples only, and Aspergillus tiresias was present in only two samples. The results for the detection of DON toxin were shown that all samples were contaminated with DON toxin but with dissimilar concentrations. The highest concentration (3.69 mg/kg )was found in the Buwak Gypsum sample, but the lowest concentration (71.5 mg/kg) was found in the Egyptian corn flakes sample. All concentrations of DON toxin found in the samples were higher than the allowable average value (0.3-2.0) mg/kg) in wheat and maize grains, and (0.75 mg/kg) in wheat flour, these values were approved by the European Union countries.