OCHRATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF CORN AND APPLIED DETOXIFICATION APPROACHES: A CASE STUDY FROM PUNJAB PAKISTAN.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]