RESUMO
The presence of mycotoxins in corn-based foods available in Argentina was determined in order to make a preliminary exposure assessment. Thirty-eight samples [corn meal ('polenta') and corn flakes] of different local brands were analysed for zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and aflatoxins by TLC and fumonisins (FB1, FB2 and FB3) by HPLC. None of the 38 samples contained any detectable amount of aflatoxins (< 2 micrograms/kg), zearalenone (< 50 micrograms/kg) and deoxynivalenol (< 50 micrograms/kg). By contrast fumonisin contamination was found in 95% of the samples. The highest fumonisin levels were found in corn meal: FB1 (range positives: 60-2860 micrograms/kg; mean positive value: 556 micrograms/kg), FB2 (61-1090 micrograms/kg; 232 micrograms/kg) and FB3 (18-1015 micrograms/kg; 150 micrograms/kg). Low levels of fumonisin B1 were detected in 16/17 corn flakes samples (2-38 micrograms/kg). Total fumonisin levels in corn meal were more than 1000 micrograms/kg in 24% (5/21) of the samples. Although it is not the staple food in Argentina, maize consumption is very important, especially among children. A daily fumonisin intake of 11.3 micrograms/kg of body weight was estimated for child consumers (1-5 years old) based on an average consumption of 200 g of corn meal/day. Calculated at an average rate for all children (consumers or not) the intake estimate was 0.9 microgram/kg of body weight.