A method for the analysis of cereals and groundnuts for three mycotoxins

Abstract

A method is proposed for the analysis of samples for three mycotoxins, aflatoxin, ochratoxin and sterigmatocystin, by suitable treatment of a single sample extract. Based on the subjective evaluation of thin-layer chromatograms of the extract, results can be reproduced with an accuracy of ±20 per cent. The method is considered to be satisfactory for the purposes of a field survey when the determination of the approximate level of mycotoxin contamination of cereals and groundnuts in the shortest possible time is of prime importance. Problems encountered with samples that have high oil contents or that are darkly pigmented are dealt with by appropriate modifications of the method.