Occurrence of aflatoxins in cornbread (arepas) traded in Medellin, Colombia

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of Aflatoxins in “arepas” (cornbread) from different zones of Medellín (Colombia) was investigated using a competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CD-ELISA). The arepa is a cornbread without yeast, made from degermed corn andis a staple food of the Colombian population, particularly in the region known as the “Coffee Axis”. Sixty-nine samples were collected in supermarkets and retail storesfrom 16 geographical locations of Medellin, Colombia. Samples were grouped into two categories: (1) those with a registered sanitary code and (2) those without. Total aflatoxins were detected in 48/69 (69.6%) of samples, at concentrations ranging from 1.7 to 33.7ng/g. Fifteen samples (21.7%) contained total aflatoxins concentrations above 10ng/g that exceeded the maximum limit permitted by Colombian legislation. No significant differences were found between the concentrations of aflatoxins in samples that had a sanitary registration code and those which lacked it. The highest aflatoxin concentrations were found in arepas collected from the central-west and south-western zones of Medellin, ranging up 33.7ng/g and 27.1ng/g, respectively. Given that these areas also show the highest risk of hepatic cancer in the city of Medellin it should be determined whether chronic exposure to aflatoxins through frequent consumption of contaminated arepas increases the risk of developing this condition. Based on our findings we recommend that health authorities implement aflatoxin monitoring programmes for corn and corn-based products.