Occurrence and exposure assessment of Fusarium mycotoxins in maize germ, refined corn oil and margarine

Analytical methods were validated for the analysis of fumonisins (FB1 and FB2), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in maize germ, corn oil and margarine. A survey of 74 samples consisting of 12 wet-milled maize germ, 12 dry-milled maize germ, 25 refined corn oil, and 25 corn oil margarine was conducted. Results revealed that 100% and 87.5% of maize germ samples presented FB1 and FB2, respectively, attaining concentrations for the sum of both toxins of 1302 ± 541 μg kg−1 in wet-milled and 820 ± 831 μg kg−1 in dry-milled maize germ. The lower incidence of FB1, FB2 and DON in edible oil and margarine (4–8%) may be related with the industrial processes for their obtaining besides the high water-solubility of these mycotoxins. In contrast, 25% of maize germ samples were positive for ZEA as well as 32% of corn oil and 24% of margarine, which may be related with its lipophilic nature. A number of samples exceeded the maximum limits indicating that strict control is needed, though estimated dietary exposure was less than 0.2% tolerable daily intakes in all cases.