Cereal Samples Research Articles

Ultrasensitive low-background multiplex mycotoxin chemiluminescence immunoassay by silica-hydrogel photonic crystal microsphere suspension arrays in cereal samples

We developed an ultrasensitive low-background chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) for multiplex mycotoxin detection using silica-hydrogel photonic crystal microsphere (SHPCM) suspension arrays. The interspace of SHPCM was occupied by hydrogel material and retained the structure color of SPCM, which not only could encode microsphere carriers with their positions of reflection peaks or structure colors but reduce the non-specific protein adsorption and result in a low background signal. Comparison with SPCM and glass beads, SHPCM could provide the more wide dynamic detection linear range and lower background signal. The linear detection range was 0.0001–1ng/mL, 0.001–10ng/mL, and 0.0001–1ng/mL for AFB1, FB1 and OTA, respectively. The recovery rates in rice, corn and wheat samples for AFB1, FB1 and OTA were between 74.96±5.82%–104.87±5.77%. The positive results detected by this method in 20 real cereal samples were confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The results indicate that the SHPCM suspension array can be used to high throughput and sensitive screening for multiplex mycotoxins in cereal samples.

Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals harvested from Hungarian fields

ABSTRACTThe Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and T-2 frequently contaminate grain crops in Middle and Eastern Europe. In this survey, 116 cereal samples (maize, wheat, barley and oat) were examined for DON, ZEN and T-2 mycotoxins. Samples were collected from different areas in two Hungarian regions (North and South Transdanubia). The method of analysis was indirect competitive ELISA. Maize was the most contaminated grain regarding DON (86%), ZEN (41%) and T-2 (55%) toxins. The average results of the deoxynivalenol and zearalenone tests of maize proved to be significantly higher than those of barley or oat. DON was the most represented Fusarium mycotoxin followed by T-2 and ZEN. The examination of these mycotoxins would be necessary at a larger scale as to re-evaluate permissible levels, so increase of the monitoring programme would be advisable for the future.

Rapid and sensitive method for the determination of four EU marker polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cereal-based foods using isotope-dilution GC/MS

ABSTRACTA rapid and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of the four European Union marker polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene) in some cereal-based foods. The method is based on pressurised liquid extraction (PLE), solid-phase extraction clean-up (SPE) and isotope-dilution gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection (GC/MS). The developed method was calibrated for the content range of 0.05–12.5 µg kg−1 (expressed on a product basis). Recoveries of PAH were monitored in each sample via the recovery of 13C-labelled PAHs. Recovery values were in the range between 86% and 91%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 5% and 9%. The achieved limits of detection for all analytes were below 0.05 µg kg−1. The applicability of the method for the analysis of routine samples was studied by the analysis of a set of commercial bread and breakfast cereal samples. In all analysed samples, benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) was the most prevalent PAH with the content between 0.09 and 0.30 µg kg−1. On average, samples showed low levels of the sum of the four EU marker PAHs (ΣPAH4) that ranged between 0.11 and 0.22 µg kg−1 for bread samples and between 0.23 and 0.87 µg kg−1 for breakfast cereal samples. The developed method was found suitable for the determination of PAHs in cereal-based foods like cornflakes and breads with total relative fat contents below 3.5%.

Natural Co-Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds and Their in vitro Combined Toxicological Effects.

Some foods and feeds are often contaminated by numerous mycotoxins, but most studies have focused on the occurrence and toxicology of a single mycotoxin. Regulations throughout the world do not consider the combined effects of mycotoxins. However, several surveys have reported the natural co-occurrence of mycotoxins from all over the world. Most of the published data has concerned the major mycotoxins aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisins (FUM) and trichothecenes (TCTs), especially deoxynivalenol (DON). Concerning cereals and derived cereal product samples, among the 127 mycotoxin combinations described in the literature, AFs+FUM, DON+ZEA, AFs+OTA, and FUM+ZEA are the most observed. However, only a few studies specified the number of co-occurring mycotoxins with the percentage of the co-contaminated samples, as well as the main combinations found. Studies of mycotoxin combination toxicity showed antagonist, additive or synergic effects depending on the tested species, cell model or mixture, and were not necessarily time- or dose-dependent. This review summarizes the findings on mycotoxins and their co-occurrence in various foods and feeds from all over the world as well as in vitro experimental data on their combined toxicity.

Development of a sensitive monoclonal-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for monitoring T-2 toxin in food and feed

ABSTRACTThe consumption of food or feed contaminated with high levels of T-2 toxin may cause adverse health effects in humans and other animals. In this study, to monitor T-2 toxin rapidly in food and feed, a sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) against T-2 toxin was generated and a simple and rapid indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) developed. T-2 toxin was first converted to T-2-hemisuccinate (T-2HS) and T-2-hemiglutarate (T-2HG), which were then conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) to prepare an immunogen and coating antigen, respectively. After the inoculation of female Balb/c mice and cell fusions, one cell line, 4D8, with the IgG1 isotype was obtained. The 4D8 antibody exhibited the ability specifically to recognise T-2 toxin with IC50 1.46 µg l−1. Based on this 4D8 mAb, an optimised ic-ELISA protocol was developed using only methanol–water (7:3, v/v) in feed and cereal samples and ethyl acetate in muscle samples. The limits of detection of T-2 toxin in various sample matrices varied from 0.07 to 15.8 µg kg−1; the recoveries ranged from 50.3% to 113.6%; and the CVs were less than 19.0%. These results suggest that the prepared mAb and the developed ic-ELISA method will be a useful tool for detecting T-2 toxin in foods and feeds.

Optimized and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of deoxynivalenol and aflatoxins in cereals.

A simple, sensitive and accurate analytical method was optimized and developed for the determination of deoxynivalenol and aflatoxins in cereals intended for human consumption using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and fluorescence detection and a photochemical reactor for enhanced detection. A response surface methodology, using a fractional central composite design, was carried out for optimization of the water percentage at the beginning of the run (X1, 80-90%), the level of acetonitrile at the end of gradient system (X2, 10-20%) with the water percentage fixed at 60%, and the flow rate (X3, 0.8-1.2 mL/min). The studied responses were the chromatographic peak area, the resolution factor and the time of analysis. Optimal chromatographic conditions were: X1 = 80%, X2 = 10%, and X3 = 1 mL/min. Following a double sample extraction with water and a mixture of methanol/water, mycotoxins were rapidly purified by an optimized solid-phase extraction protocol. The optimized method was further validated with respect to linearity (R(2) >0.9991), sensitivity, precision, and recovery (90-112%). The application to 23 commercial cereal samples from Greece showed contamination levels below the legally set limits, except for one maize sample. The main advantages of the developed method are the simplicity of operation and the low cost.

Multiannual mycotoxin survey in feed materials and feedingstuffs

Mycotoxins are compounds that can be formed in many raw materials and agricultural products under very different conditions. The study aimed at evaluation of the level of raw materials and products for animal nutrition contamination due to mycotoxins in Poland in 2011–2014. A total of 1384 samples (295 maize samples, 143 maize silage samples, 466 small grain cereal samples and 480 complete feed samples) were analyzed for the occurrence of deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, and aflatoxins. Deoxynivalenol as well as zearalenone were the most frequently occurring mycotoxins, present in 89% and 92% of maize samples, respectively. They were also the most common mycotoxins in maize silages—86% and 88% of the samples, respectively. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were present in 456 (98%) and 450 (97%) small grains samples. Additionally, in 24 samples the content of mycotoxins exceeded the EU recommendation. Regarding the complete feed, trichothecenes and zearalenone were found in more than 90% of the samples. A moderate to strong positive correlation between DON and ZEN, as well as T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin contents was observed for all matrices. The four-year survey indicated again that both feed materials and feeding stuffs are contaminated with mycotoxins, and in most cases the samples contained several compounds of interest.

Quartz crystal microbalance sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer membrane and three-dimensional Au nanoparticles@mesoporous carbon CMK-3 functional composite for ultrasensitive and specific determination of citrinin

Citrinin (CIT) is difficult to measure since only trace levels are present in commercial food products. In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) molecularly imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for trace CIT detection was constructed by electro-polymerizing o-aminothiophenol on Au nanoparticles@mesoporous carbon CMK-3 (AuNPs@CMK-3) functional composite modified Au electrode surface. Herein, AuNPs@CMK-3 functional composite acted as signal amplifier since the 3D structure and large specific surface area of AuNPs@CMK-3 functional composite were beneficial to increase the amount of effective imprinted sites and subsequently improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The preparation process of the QCM sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed sensor showed a linear frequency shift to the concentration of target CIT ranging from 6.0×10−9 to 2.0×10−7molL−1 with a low detection limit of 1.8×10−9molL−1 (S/N=3). The sensitive sensor exhibited excellent selective recognition, anti-interference capability, reproducibility and long-term stability, and was successfully applied to analyze trace CIT in cereal samples with satisfactory recoveries, suggesting the proposed sensor is promising for the detection of CIT at trace levels in foods.

Diversity of toxic and phytopathogenic Fusarium species occurring on cereals grown in Karnataka state, India.

A total of 198 cereal samples (53 maize, 54 sorghum, 37 paddy and 54 wheat) were collected from 11 districts of Karnataka to understand the percent infection (PI), relative density (RD) and their frequency (Fr) caused by Fusarium spp. All samples were screened by agar plating method using MGA 2.5 agar media and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C for 3–5 days. The study revealed the association of 10 different Fusarium species known trichothecene producers such as Fusarium acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. crookwellense, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. nivale, F. poae, F. sambucinum and F. sporotrichioides along with non-trichothecene producers like F. anthophilum, F. oxysporaum, F. proliferatum, F. semitectum, F. solani, and F. verticillioides. All the ten isolated potential trichothecene producing Fusarium species were analyzed for their ability to produce trichothecenes by using thin layer chromatography method. The highest infection of Fusarium spp. in maize was by F. verticillioides with PI of (2.95 %), with RD of (15.16 %) and highest Fr was by F. graminearum (79.24 %) and the lowest was F. avenasium with PI of (0.13 %). For sorghum maximum PI was by F. verticillioides (3.02 %), with F. graminearum having highest RD (14.39 %) and with F. verticillioides highest Fr. (72.22 %). In paddy highest PI was by F. verticillioides (3.21 %) and the least was by F. avenaceum (0.09 %). Similarly in wheat the highest PI was by F. verticillioides (2.76 %) while lowest was by F. avenaceum (0.10 %). The highest Fr was with F. graminearum (79.62 %) while the lowest was by F. avenaceum (3.70 %) and the highest RD was by F. graminearum (22.04 %) and lowest was by F. solani (0.72 %). The manually identified Fusarium spp. were further confirmed by PCR-based detection using ITS1 and ITS4 primers followed by sequencing of the PCR amplicons. PCR studies confirmed that all the tested fungal isolates belongs to Fusarium spp. with the amplicon size of 600 bp. Sequencing and the blast data from NCBI data base confirmed the sequence similarity of 99 % to the genus Fusarium and accession numbers were obtained. Chemotyping studies showed that the isolated Fusarium species are known to produce different types of trichothecenes. The study revealed the diversity in phytopathogenic Fusarium spp. in major cereal crops growing in different agro-climatic regions of Karnataka, India.

Electrochemical Determination of Vitamin B-12 in Food Samples by Poly(2,2′-(1,4-phenylenedivinylene) Bis-8 hydroxyquinaldine)/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Poly(2,2′-(1,4-phenylenedivinylene) bis-8-hydroxyquinaldine)/multi-walled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode (poly(PBHQ)/MWCNTs/GCE) was developed and applied for the electrochemical estimation of vitamin B-12 (VB-12). Compared to multi-walled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode, well-defined redox peaks were observed in phosphate buffer solution at pH 2.5. In contrast with the ill-defined redox peaks observed with unmodified glassy carbon electrode surfaces. The poly(2,2′-(1,4-phenylenedivinylene) bis-8-hydroxyquinaldine-based electrode displayed a good linear range of 0.1 to 10 μM VB-12 with a low detection limit of 0.01 μM. To further study the practical applicability of the proposed sensing procedure, the estimation of real samples was employed with satisfactory consequences. In addition, MWCNTs were used as sorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE) of vitamin B-12 from cereal food samples. Solid phase extraction parameters, such as the amount of MWCNTs, sample volume, pH, and type and amount of the eluent, were optimized.

Multiplex PCR for the early detection of fumonisin producing Fusarium verticillioides

In the present study, fumonisin producing Fusarium verticillioides was specifically detected in pure cultures, cereal samples and plant materials by multiplex PCR using one forward VERTF-1 and two reverse primers VERTR and VERTF-2. A total of 326 Fusarium isolates were obtained from maize, sorghum, paddy wheat and pearl millet samples collected from different districts of Karnataka, India. All Fusarium species were subjected to single round of PCR with species specific and fumonisin specific primers which recorded 59.50% of F. verticillioides and 53.98% of fumonisin producing F. verticillioides. Maize samples recorded highest frequency 34.42% of fumonisin producing F. verticillioides followed by paddy 28.57% and sorghum 16.66%. Sensitivity of multiplex PCR experiment was conducted by whole grain experiment of the collected cereals, roots and leaves of the cereal samples by diluting the DNA 10 to 100 times in which 1:50, 1:75 and 1:100 diluted samples recorded positive. The developed multiplex PCR assay provided a powerful tool for the accurate detection, identification and discrimination of potential fumonisin producing F. verticillioides strains among the population. The present study is the first report of developing the multiplex PCR method for early detection of fumonisin producing F. verticillioides from cereal samples, pure cultures and plant parts.

Nested PCR Method for Early Detection of Fumonisin Producing Fusarium verticillioides in Pure Cultures, Cereal Samples and Plant Parts

ABSTRACTFumonisin-producing Fusarium verticillioides was detected in cereal samples by semi-nested PCR using one forward, VERTF-1, and two reverse primers, VERTR and VERTF-2. A total of 326 Fusarium species isolated from maize, paddy, sorghum, wheat and pearl-millet samples were subjected to a first round of n-PCR with the species specific VERTF-1 and VERTR set of primers which recorded 59.50% of F. verticillioides. Further, second round of n-PCR scored 53.98% of fumonisin-producing F. verticillioides with fumonisin specific VERTF-1 and VERTF-2 set of primers. Maize samples recorded the highest frequency of fumonisin-producing F. verticillioides 40.98%, followed by paddy 33.33%, and sorghum 12.50%. Sensitivity of nested PCR was conducted by whole grain experiment of the cereals, roots and leaves of the cereals by diluting the DNA 10-100 times, in which 1:50, 1:75, and 1:100 diluted samples recorded positive. This method can be used for the early detection of fumonisin producing F. verticillioides occurring on cereals.

A gold nanoparticle-based semi-quantitative and quantitative ultrasensitive paper sensor for the detection of twenty mycotoxins.

A semi-quantitative and quantitative multi-immunochromatographic (ICA) strip detection assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of twenty types of mycotoxins from five classes, including zearalenones (ZEAs), deoxynivalenols (DONs), T-2 toxins (T-2s), aflatoxins (AFs), and fumonisins (FBs), in cereal food samples. Sensitive and specific monoclonal antibodies were selected for this assay. The semi-quantitative results were obtained within 20 min by the naked eye, with visual limits of detection for ZEAs, DONs, T-2s, AFs and FBs of 0.1-0.5, 2.5-250, 0.5-1, 0.25-1 and 2.5-10 μg kg(-1), and cut-off values of 0.25-1, 5-500, 1-10, 0.5-2.5 and 5-25 μg kg(-1), respectively. The quantitative results were obtained using a hand-held strip scan reader, with the calculated limits of detection for ZEAs, DONs, T-2s, AFs and FBs of 0.04-0.17, 0.06-49, 0.15-0.22, 0.056-0.49 and 0.53-1.05 μg kg(-1), respectively. The analytical results of spiked samples were in accordance with the accurate content in the simultaneous detection analysis. This newly developed ICA strip assay is suitable for the on-site detection and rapid initial screening of mycotoxins in cereal samples, facilitating both semi-quantitative and quantitative determination.

In-syringe reversed dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of sulfonylurea herbicide residues in cereal samples

A rapid and sensitive method, IS-R-DLLME coupled to HPLC, has been developed for the determination of sulfonylurea herbicides in cereal samples.

Evaluation of Water Absorption of Cereal Flour Samples

Evaluation of Water Absorption of Cereal Flour Samples

Transfer factors for the „soil-cereals” system in the region of Pcinja, Serbia

The aim of the paper was to estimate the values of transfer factors for natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 235U, and 238U) and 137Cs from soil to plants (cereals: wheat, corn and barley) as important parameters for the agricultures in the selection of the location and the sort of cereals to be planted on. The results presented in this paper refer to the ?soil-cereals? system in the region of Pcinja, Serbia. Total of 9 samples of soil and 7 samples of cereals were measured in the Department of Radiation and Environmental Protection, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, using three high-purity germanium detectors for gamma spectrometry measurements. In all the samples, transfer factors for 226Ra are significantly lower than for 40K, but they are all in good agreement with the literature data. On the three investigated locations, the calculated values of transfer factors for 40K were in the range of 0.144 to 0.392, while in the case of 226Ra, the transfer factors ranged from 0.008 to 0.074. Only one value (0.051) was obtained for transfer factor of 232Th. Specific activities of 137Cs, as well as uranium isotopes, in all the investigated cereal samples, were below minimal detectable activity concentrations. Also, the absorbed dose rate and the annual absorbed dose from the natural radionuclides in the soil, were calculated. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 49-86 nSv/h, while the annual absorbed dose ranged from 0.061-0.105 mSv. The measurements presented in this manuscript are the first to be conducted in the region of Pcinja, thus providing the results that can be used as a baseline for future measurements and monitoring.

Assessment of aflatoxin exposure using serum and urinary biomarkers in São Paulo, Brazil: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the human exposure of individuals from Pirassununga, Brazil, to dietary aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) and M1 (AFM1) by determination of serum AFB1-lysine and urinary aflatoxin biomarkers (AFM1 and AFB1-N(7)-guanine). The participants were recruited among employees from a Campus of the University of São Paulo, which provided food samples from their homes, as well as serum and urine samples four times every three months, from June 2011 until March 2012. The probable daily intake (PDI) of aflatoxin was estimated by using the results from analysis of food products collected by the time of samples collection, and data from a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Analyses of AFB1 and AFM1 in food samples were conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Biomarkers in serum and urine were determined by tandem mass spectrometry. AFB1 and AFM1 were detected in 38 samples of cereals (28%, N=136) and 31 milk products (36%, N=86), respectively. AFB1-lysine and AFB1-N(7)-guanine and were not detected in serum or urine samples, respectively. However, AFM1 was found in 74 urine samples (65%), at mean levels in the 4 sampling times ranging from 0.37±0.23 to 1.70±2.88pg/mg creatinine. The mean PDI varied among different sampling times, ranging from 0.09±0.09 to 1.35±5.98ng/kg body weight/day. A modest though significant correlation (r=0.45; p=0.03; N=23) was found for the first time in Brazil between the AFM1 concentration in urine and the PDI for total aflatoxins (AFB1+AFM1) in sampling 1 (June 2011). Urinary AFM1 was confirmed as very sensitive for monitoring the human exposure to dietary aflatoxin. Further studies using serum and urinary biomarkers are needed to estimate the aflatoxin exposure of populations in higher risk areas in Brazil.

A Magnetic Nanoparticle Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Sensitive Quantification of Zearalenone in Cereal and Feed Samples.

A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on magnetic nanoparticles and biotin/streptavidin-HRP (MNP-bsELISA) was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of zearalenone (ZEN). The detection signal was enhanced and the sensitivity of the assay was improved by combined use of antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles and biotin-streptavidin system. Under the optimized conditions, the regression equation for quantification of ZEN was y = −0.4287x + 0.3132 (R2 = 0.9904). The working range was 0.07–2.41 ng/mL. The detection limit was 0.04 ng/mL and IC50 was 0.37 ng/mL. The recovery rates of intra-assay and inter-assay ranged from 92.8%–111.9% and 91.7%–114.5%, respectively, in spiked corn samples. Coefficients of variation were less than 10% in both cases. Parallel analysis of cereal and feed samples showed good correlation between MNP-bsELISA and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (R2 = 0.9283). We conclude that this method is suitable for rapid detection of zearalenone in cereal and feed samples in relevant laboratories.

Trace element concentrations in cereal grain of long-term field trials with organic fertilizer in Sweden

Long-term use of organic fertilizers can lead to slow accumulation of trace elements in arable soil, whereas cropping systems with no return of organic residues to soil can lead to depletion. These changes in soil concentrations may potentially influence crop uptake of both essential and toxic metals over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term use of manure and sewage sludge on trace element composition of cereal grain samples from on-going field experiments. The analyses showed that the organic fertilizers had limited or no impact on grain concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se). Concentrations of these metals in grain remained low to moderate. However, application of the organic residues resulted in higher grain concentrations of zinc (Zn) at several locations, although results for different sites were contradictory. It was concluded that added trace metals present in organic fertilizer are not easily available to crops and that changes in soil properties, such as pH, and root proliferation often are of greater importance for crop uptake. Application of sewage sludge with a low Cd content to agricultural soil does not pose a high risk of increased Cd concentrations in crops. At low Cd concentrations as in Swedish arable soils, the Cd:Zn ratio seems to have little importance at low to moderate input of Cd and Zn.

Ionic Liquid Based Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for Preconcentration of Zearalenone and Its Determination in Beer and Cereal Samples by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

A simple, fast, and efficient ionic liquid based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the determination of trace amounts of zearalenone for the first time. Preconcentrated zearalenone was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Two ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide were used as extraction solvents. Several analytical parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as sample pH, type, and volume of dispersive solvent, volume of ionic liquid, time of extraction, and centrifugation were optimized. The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide showed the better extraction efficiency. Thus, the method validation and the application of the method to real samples were carried out with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve for zearalenone determination was linear in the range of 1–750 µg L−1(R2 = 0.9960) and the limit of detection was 0.25 µg L−1 for zearalenone. The inter-day and intra-day precisions of the developed method were in the range of 1.36–3.02%. The method was successfully applied to beer and cereal (wheat and corn) samples. The recovery percentages of zearalenone for spiked samples were between were 80.0 and 100.0%.