Multi-Mycotoxin Contamination, Mold Incidence and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin in Maize Kernels Originating from Nepal

Occurrence of mycotoxins in staple foods is a major threat to attaining food safety developing countries. The study investigated multi-mycotoxin contamination for the first time Nepalese maize along with incidence molds 45 samples used as human from districts Nepal. were analyzed quantitatively presence five different (total aflatoxins (AF), total fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin (OT), zearalenone (ZEA) and (DON) deoxynivalenol) using competitive direct ELISA technique. most frequent occurrences DON (100%) AF (78%) followed by FUM ZEA (both 76%) OT (62%). Interestingly, all contained at least two while three or more found 87% samples. commonly reported binary, ternary quaternary combinations DON+AF, AF+FUM+DON AF+FUM+ZEA+DON, respectively. mean percentage kernel mold infection was 35.33% Fusarium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus Penicillium genera being predominant molds. Six species Aspergillus single Fusarium identified. estimated daily intake, margin exposure risk liver cancer consuming 30.46 ng/kg bw/day 5.58 0.38 cases/year/100,000 population, Since second-most consumed cereal Nepal, levels various identified suggests that stricter control needed safeguard health substantial population diet.