Aflatoxin Destruction in Corn Using Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hydroxide and Aqueous Ammonia

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Abstract
Naturally contaminated yellow dent corn containing 235 ppb of aflatoxin B1 and B2 was adjusted to a moisture content of 20% and then treated for 24 h at ambient temperature with NaHS03, NaOH or aqueous NH3 at 0.5%, 1.0%, or 2.0% concentrations. All treatments were effective in reducing aflatoxin B1 and B2 levels. Sodium bisulfite was more effective in destroying aflatoxins than were NaOH or aqueous NH3 at 0.5% and 1.0% concentrations, while NaOH and aqueous NH3 were more effective than bisulfite at 2.0% concentration. Subjecting yellow corn samples to either NaHSO3, NaOH or aqueous NH3 at 2.0% concentrations reduced aflatoxin B1 and B2 levels to below the FDA guideline of 20 ppb total aflatoxin. Sodium bisulfite was also effective in reducing the levels of aflatoxins in a white dent corn sample containing 81 ppb of aflatoxin B1 and 12 ppb of aflatoxin B2. Results suggest that NaHSO3, NaOH or aqueous NH3 can be used to effectively destroy aflatoxins in corn and possibly other agricultural commodities.

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