Abstract
Ochratoxin (OTA) is a potent carcinogen which may pose a tremendous threat to human health when found beyond permissible
levels. This study aims at evaluating ochratoxin contamination in corn. The corn samples (n=80) were collected from 4 major
districts (Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi) of Punjab Pakistan. The quantification of OTA in collected corn
samples was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatographic technique. Different methods (physical, chemical and
natural/biological) were used for the detoxification of contaminated corn. It was found that 59% of total 80 samples were
contaminated with ochratoxin. Among contaminated samples, 26% samples were beyond permissible levels i.e. 5µg/kg OTA
in corn samples as set by European Commission Regulation while 33% samples were found contaminated within permissible
levels. However, 41% samples were not contaminated with OTA. Highest level 231.49+29.39µg/kg of OTA was found in corn
sample of Faisalabad. The corn samples collected during summer season were found more contaminated than winter season.
OTA contamination in corn seems to be a very serious issue in Punjab, Pakistan. Different environment-friendly, easy and
cheap detoxification approaches were adopted to decontaminate OTA contaminated corn. Maximum detoxification of OTA in
corn was found 48.17% by cooking, 64.25% by 0.5% hydrochloric acid and 52.38% by probiotic among physical, chemical
and biological methods respectively. Proper handling, suitable storage conditions and proper management may be helpful to
avoid ochratoxin contamination in corn and corn products.
Naseem Zahra, Nadia Jamil, Haseeb Akram, Sajid Rashid Ahmad , Muhammad Khalid Saeed, Almas Hamid, Soniya Munir , Imran Kalim. (2020) OCHRATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF CORN AND APPLIED DETOXIFICATION APPROACHES: A CASE STUDY FROM PUNJAB PAKISTAN, Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Volume 57, Issue 5.
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