Aflatoxins levels in vegetable oils in Khartoum State,Sudan

Vegetable oil (n = 81) for human consumption from Khartoum State in Sudan were analyzed for aflatoxins (AFs), using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection following extraction with methanol:water (80:20) and clean-up using petroleum ether. Sampling included sesame oil (n = 14), peanut oil (n = 21), and sunflower oil (n = 19) purchased from retail shops, and mixed oil produced by two local manufacturers (factory A, n = 15; factory B, n = 12). AF contamination was found in 80/81 (98.8%) samples, with total AF levels ( AFB₁ + AFB₂ + AFG₁ + AFG₂ ) \left( {{\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{B}}_{\rm{1}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{B}}_{\rm{2}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{G}}_{\rm{1}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{G}}_{\rm{2}}}} \right) of 0.43–339.9 μg/kg and mean level of 57.5 μg/kg. All sesame oils had total AF levels that were much higher than the United States Food and Drug Administration acceptable limit of 20 μg/kg. The percentage of samples with total AF values <20 μg/kg in other oils varied and was 57.14% in peanut oil, 36.8% in sunflower oil, 66.7% (mixed oil from factory A), and 91.7% (mixed oil from factory B). In conclusion, the levels of total AFs in edible oil as available in Khartoum State are quite alarming. To reduce the health hazards for the consumers, an intervention strategy to manage AFs in food commodities from Sudan is urgently required.     

Comparing aflatoxin contamination in chilies from Punjab,Pakistan produced in summer and winter

A comparison was made of total aflatoxins (AFs) in 43 samples of chilies collected during winter and 42 in summer to determine the effect of season on contamination. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The limits of detection and quantification for AFB₁ and AFG₁ were 0.05 μg/kg and 0.50 μg/kg, whilst for AFG₂ and AFB₂ they were 0.10 μg/kg and 0.60 μg/kg. In the winter samples, AFs were detected in 18 (72%) whole and 14 (60%) ground chilies, with concentration ranges 0.00-52.30 μg/kg and 0.00-74.60 μg/kg respectively. In the summer samples, 17 (64%) whole and 12 (76%) ground chilies were contaminated with AFs at concentrations 0.00-61.50 μg/kg and 0.00-95.90 μg/kg respectively. The percentage of samples greater than the European Union statutory limit for AFB₁ and total AF for whole chilies were 48 and 36%, compared with ground chili values of 50 and 45%, respectively, in the winter season. In the summer season, the samples greater than the European Union limit for AFB₁ and total AF in whole chilies were 52 and 38%, compared with values of 54 and 49% in ground chilies respectively. AF contamination was found to be higher in summer chili samples and hence winter chilies may provide a better quality product with respect to AF contamination. The ability to undertake this analysis in Pakistan will enhance greatly the ability to improve chili production in that country, as described herein.     

A survey of aflatoxins in sesame in Iran

A study of the occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) in sesame seeds was conducted in the Khorasan province of Iran between September 2009 and August 2010. Samples (n = 182) were analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC), and detection limits for AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁ and AFG₂, were 0.45, 0.19, 0.61, and 0.22 ng/g, respectively. AFB₁ was detected in 33 samples (18.1%), at a mean level of 1.62 ± 1.32 ng/g, and a maximum level of 5.54 ng/g. AFB₁ levels exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum tolerated level (MTL, 2 ng/g) in 9 samples, and the Iran MTL (5 ng/g) in 1 sample. Regarding total aflatoxins (AFT), the mean level was 0.92 ± 1.36 ng/g, and the maximum level was 5.54 ng/g. No sesame sample exceeded the Iran MTL (15 ng/g), but two samples exceeded the EU MTL (4 ng/g) for AFT. It is concluded that low levels of AFs occur frequently in sesame from Iran.     

Co-occurrence of mycotoxins in swine feed produced in Portugal

A total of 404 samples of commercial swine feed from Portugal feed mills were analysed by HPLC methods for the presence of mycotoxins: 277 samples of feed for fattening pigs were analysed for ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), and deoxynivalenol (DON), and 127 samples of feed for sows were analysed for ZEA and fumonisins (FB₁ + FB₂). Concerning feed for fattening pigs, 21 (7.6%) samples were positive for OTA, (2–6.8 μg/kg), 69 (24.9%) were positive for ZEA (5–73 μg/kg), and 47 (16.9%) were positive for DON (100–864 μg/kg). In feed for sows, the results showed 29.9% of positive samples for ZEA (5–57.7 μg/kg) and 8.7% positive samples for FB₁ and FB₂ (50–391.4 μg/kg). Co-occurrence of DON/ZEA was found most frequently, but simultaneous contamination with OTA/ZEA and OTA/DON was also found.     

Potential pathogenicity of Cladosporium tennuisimum,Phaeoisaria clematidis and Ramichloridium subulatum in a mouse model

In Sri Lanka, rice is the main staple which is mostly processed into parboiled rice. The levels of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and aflatoxin G₁ (AFG₁) in parboiled and raw milled rice collected from major rice producing areas and rice consuming townships were estimated. In almost all the samples of parboiled rice examined, the AFB₁ and AFG₁ contents were significantly higher than in raw milled rice. The highest AFB₁ content was 185 µg/kg and AFG₁ content 963 g/kg. These samples were collected from a major rice producing/milling district where the mean relative humidity is 78% and mean annual temperature 27 °C which is the highest amongst the rice growing areas in Sri Lanka. Raw rice was either free of aflatoxins or when toxins were detected, they occurred in less than 10% of the samples. The frequency of occurrence of surface fungal flora (Aspergillus/Penicillium) and aflatoxin content in market samples was closely related. Brownish or greenish moldy rice samples with fermented odour contained over 1000 g/kg of AFB₁.     

Natural multi-occurrence of mycotoxins in rice from Niger State,Nigeria

Twenty-one rice samples from field (ten), store (six) and market (five) from the traditional rice-growing areas of Niger State, Nigeria were analysed for aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and B₂ (FB₂), and patulin (PAT) by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) respectively. T-2 toxin was determined using TLC only. AFs were detected in all samples, at total AF concentrations of 28–372 μg/kg. OTA was found in 66.7% of the samples, also at high concentrations (134–341 μg/kg) that have to be considered as critical levels in aspects of nephrotoxicity. ZEA (53.4%), DON (23.8), FB₁ (14.3%) and FB₂ (4.8%) were also found in rice, although at relatively low levels. T-2 toxin was qualitatively detected by TLC in only one sample. Co-contamination with AFs, OTA, and ZEA was very common, and up to five mycotoxins were detected in a single sample. The high AF and OTA levels as found in rice in this study are regarded as unsafe, and multi-occurrences of mycotoxins in the rice samples with possible additive or synergistic toxic effects in consumers raise concern with respect to public health.     

Zearalenone,deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B<Subscript>1</Subscript> and their metabolites in pig urine as biomarkers for mycotoxin exposure

Methods to determine zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxins (AF) and their metabolites in pig urine were developed as biomarkers for pig exposure to the mycotoxins in feed. Urine samples were incubated with β-glucuronidase to cleave conjugates, extracted and cleaned-up with solid phase and immunoaffinity columns, followed by HPLC with UV and fluorescence detection. Good recoveries (83–130%), low variation (2–10%), and low detection limits (0.3–9.9 ng/ml) were obtained. The results of controlled AFB₁ feeding trials found no difference in urine concentrations of AFB₁ or AFM₁ from pigs fed three different levels (127, 227, 327 μg/kg) of AFB₁ in diets. The excretion of AFB₁ and AFM₁ in urine was on average 30% of the oral dose and the ratio AFB₁ to AFM₁ was around 23%. The analysis of 15 Vietnamese pig urine samples indicate a relatively high exposure of ZEA, DON and AF, which were found as toxin or metabolites in 47, 73, and 80% of the urine samples, respectively.     

Determinatıon of ochratoxin A and total aflatoxin levels in corn samples from Turkey by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Forty-seven samples of corn were collected from various street bazaars and market outlets in different regions of Turkey and total aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following sample preparation. Levels of AF and OTA in corn samples ranged between 1.75–120.3 μg/kg and 1.08–8.57 μg/kg, respectively. Although 53% of the samples analysed had no detectable levels of AF, 4% of similar samples were found to contain AFs above the acceptable limit of 10 μg/kg in Turkey. For OTA, 4% of the corn samples had levels above the acceptable limit (3 μg/kg) in Turkey, with over 43% samples not found to contain this mycotoxin. Although the levels of mycotoxins analysed in this study were not found to be high and the percentage of samples contaminated above permitted limits were low, the importance of overall daily dietary intake should not be underestimated and control of these fungal metabolites in corn must be explored to minimise the hazards they may cause in humans.     

Aflatoxin concentrations in chilies vary depending on variety

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination was determined in 40 chili samples, representing 3 varieties from Punjab, Pakistan, by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Total AF were determined in varieties Longi (n = 15), Wonder hot (n = 12), and Skyline 1 (n = 13), and the concentrations were high in some samples. AF were detected in 9 (60%), 8 (67%), and 7 (54%) of Longi, Wonder hot, and Skyline 1 samples, respectively; concentration ranged from 4.7 to 34.6, 1.0 to 14.3, and 7.8 to 15.6 μg/kg, respectively. The percentage of samples greater than the European Union statutory limit for AFB₁ and total AF in spices were 53% and 53%, 53% and 8%, and 53% and 38% for Longi, Wonder hot, and Skyline 1, respectively. Significant differences at α < 0.05 between mean concentration of AF in Longi (15.9 ± 0.6 μg/kg) and Wonder hot (5.8 ± 0.3 μg/kg) were determined. In conclusion, choosing the variety demonstrating the lowest AF concentration from various chili samples will assist in improving product quality. This preferred variety is Wonder Hot as described herein.     

Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in Lebanese cultivated wheat

An extensive survey of filamentous fungi isolated from wheat grown and consumed in Lebanon and their capacity to produce aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was conducted to assess fungi potential for producing these toxins in wheat. From the 468 samples of wheat kernel, collected at preharvest stage from different locations during 2008 and 2009 cultivation seasons, 3,260 fungi strains were isolated with 49.4% belonging to Penicillium spp. and 31.2% belonging to Aspergillus spp. Penicillium spp. was detected on wheat samples with a high amount of P. verrucosum (37.0%). Among the different Aspergillus spp. isolated, A. niger aggregate was predominant and constituted 37.3%. whereas the isolation rate of A. flavus and A. ochraceus was 32.2 and 25.6%, respectively. The ability to produce OTA and AFB₁ by isolates belonging to Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). It was found that 57.0% of Penicillium spp. and 80% of A. ochraceus isolates tested produced OTA, respectively, at maximum concentrations of 53 and 65 μg/g CYA. As for the aflatoxinogenic ability, 45.3% of A. flavus produced AFB₁, with maximum concentration of 40 μg/g CYA. A total of 156 wheat samples were analyzed for the levels of OTA and AFB₁ by HPLC-FLD. The results showed that 23.7% were contaminated with OTA, at a concentration higher than 3 μg/kg and 35.2% of these samples were contaminated with AFB₁ at concentration higher than 2 μg/kg. The risks originating from toxin levels in wheat produced in Lebanon should be monitored to prevent their harmful effects on public health.     

Exposure assessment and risk characterization of aflatoxin B<Subscript>1</Subscript> in Malaysia

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was detected in 57% of the nuts and nut products marketed in Penang, Malaysia using the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The contamination levels ranged from 0.40 to 222 μg/kg and 17 out of 128 samples (13.3%) contained AFB₁ above the European Commission permitted level (2 μg/kg). Estimated dietary exposure of AFB₁ in nuts and nut products were 0.36 ng per kg body weight and day and 8.89 ng per kg body weight and day, representing the low and high-level of exposure, respectively. Dose-response modelling resulted in benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL₁₀) values of 0.305 ng per kg body weight and day, with the best fitted from the log-logistic model. The derived margin of exposure (MoE) values ranged from 34 to 847 suggested that AFB₁ would be of public health concern and might reasonably be considered as a high priority for risk management actions.     

Content of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria</Emphasis> mycotoxin tenuazonic acid in food commodities determined by a stable isotope dilution assay

The Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid (TA) was quantified in fruit juices (n = 50), cereals (n = 12) and spices (n = 38) using a recently developed stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA). [¹³ C₆,¹⁵ N]-TA was used as the internal standard. Method validation revealed low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.15 μg/kg (fruit juices), 1.0 μg/kg (cereals) and 17 μg/kg (spices). The respective limits of quantitation were about three times higher. Recovery was about 100% for all matrices. The precision (relative standard deviation of replicate analyses of naturally contaminated samples) was 4.2% (grape juice; 1.7 μg/kg), 3.5% (whole wheat flour; 36 μg/kg) and 0.9% (curry powder; 215 μg/kg). The median content of TA in the analyzed samples was 1.8 μg/kg (fruit juices), 16 μg/kg (cereals) and 500 μg/kg (spices). Positive samples amounted to 86% (fruit juices), 92% (cereals) and 87% (spices).     

Mycotoxins in horse feed

A total of 62 samples of commercial horse feed preparations (complementary feeds) containing cereal mixtures (“muesli” or mash, n = 39; pelleted feeds, n = 12), and plain horse feed grains (maize, n = 5; oats, n = 4; barley, n = 2) were purchased from 21 different producers/distributors from the German market. All samples were analysed by competitive enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for six different mycotoxins (mycotoxin groups). Analytes (detection limit, mean recovery) were: deoxynivalenol (DON, 10 μg/kg, 84%), zearalenone (ZEA, 5 μg/kg, 93%), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁, 2 μg/kg, 113%), T-2 toxin (T-2, 0.1 μg/kg, 71%), sum of T-2 + HT-2 toxin (T-2/HT2, 0.2 μg/kg, 97%), ochratoxin A (OTA, 0.2 μg/kg, 67%), and total ergot alkaloids (Generic Ergot Alkaloids “GEA”, 30 μg/kg, 132%). All samples contained DON (16–4,900 μg/kg, median 220 μg/kg), T-2/HT-2 (0.8–230 μg/kg, median 24 μg/kg), and T-2 (0.3–91 μg/kg, median 7 μg/kg). ZEA was detected in 98% of the samples (7–310 μg/kg, median 61 μg/kg). Most samples (94%) were positive for FB₁ (2–2,200 μg/kg, median 27 μg/kg). Ergot alkaloids were detected in 61% of samples (28–1,200 μg/kg, median 97 μg/kg), OTA was found in 42% of samples (0.2–4 μg/kg, median 0.35 μg/kg). The results demonstrate that a co-contamination with several mycotoxins is very common in commercial horse feed from the German market. The toxin concentrations were in most cases well below the levels which are usually considered as critical or even toxic. The highest mycotoxin concentrations were mostly found in single-grain cereal feed: the maximum values for DON and FB₁ were found in maize, the highest T-2/HT-2 toxin concentrations were found in oats, and the highest concentration of ergot alkaloids was found in barley. In composed feeds, no correlation between cereal composition and mycotoxin levels could be found.     

Ochratoxin A and aflatoxins in dried vine fruits from the Iranian market

Forty samples of dried vine fruit (raisin, n?=?22; currant, n?=?18) were collected in 2009?C2011 from the Iranian market. Aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were determined in these samples after immunoaffinity column clean-up by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for AFs B₁. B₂, G₁, G₂, and OTA were 0.62, 0.50, 0.70, 0.40, and 0.42?ng/g, respectively. AFB₁ was found in one sample of raisin (0.64?ng/g) and in two samples of currant (0.20 and 0.63?ng/g). AFB₂ (0.33?ng/g) and AFG₂ (0.49?ng/g) were found in 2 samples of currant. OTA was detected in 3 of the 22 samples of raisin (mean 2.21?ng/g) and in one sample of currant (2.99?ng/g). The results show that in AFs and OTA levels are well below the regulatory limits both of the European Union and of Iran.     

Mycotoxins in foods in Lower Saxony (Germany): results of official control analyses performed in 2009

In this presentation, the mycotoxin levels—as analysed by the analytical centre for mycotoxin surveillance of the state food laboratory (LAVES Braunschweig)—for approximately 500 food samples are reported. The samples were collected in the year 2009 at retail in the German federal state of Lower Saxony. Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A were analysed in dried fruits, spices, cereals and tree nuts. Ochratoxin A was detected in all samples of dried vine fruits, at levels up to 8.1 μg/kg. Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A were also found in nutmeg and curry powder: the maximum regulatory levels for aflatoxins were exceeded in 25% of the nutmeg samples. Nearly all samples of basmati rice contained aflatoxins, although at levels below the maximum regulatory level in all but one sample. Aflatoxins were also detected in about 50% of hazelnut samples, in 20% of the samples the maximum levels was exceeded (maximum 23.2 μg/kg). In contrast, aflatoxin contents in pistachios were surprisingly low. Fusarium toxins were analysed in cereals and cereal products such as flour, bread, and pasta. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was the predominant toxin found in these samples: DON was found in about 40% of the samples, although the maximum levels were not exceeded (max. 418 μg/kg). Fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEA) were specifically analysed in maize products (snacks, flour and oil). Most of these samples (80%) were positive, but at levels not exceeding the maximum levels. Maximum levels were 98 μg/kg (ZEA) and 577 μg/kg (sum of FB₁ and FB₂). Ergot alkaloids (six major alkaloids) were analysed in rye flour, and approximately 50% were positive. The highest concentration of ergot alkaloids was 1,063 μg/kg; the predominant alkaloids were ergotamine and ergocristine. In conclusion, the results indicate that continuous and efficient control measures for mycotoxins in a wide range of critical foods are necessary to ensure compliance with maximum levels. Although the mycotoxin levels in the vast majority of samples were below maximum levels, year-to-year variation and changes in the production of relevant commodities may result in a different picture in the future.     

Trends of fumonisin contamination and animal intoxication through monitoring 1991 to 1997 corn crop in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Eleven feed samples associated with six animal (horse and poultry) intoxication outbreaks (1991) in the state of Paraná, Brazil, were evaluated for fungal and fumonisin contamination. In order to estimate the␣trend of livestock intoxication, fumonisin contamination was monitored in corn produced both at the commercial level (1991, 1995 crop), and in an experimental field at a local Agronomy Institute (1997 crop). The total mould count in the feed samples ranged from 2.9 × 10³ to 1.9 × 10⁷ CFU/g, with Fusarium verticillioides as the predominant species, at a high count of 2.4 × 10⁴–6.5 × 10⁵ CFU/g. Fumonisins (FB₁ + FB₂) were detected in all corn-based feed samples at levels ranging from 2.89 to 14.54 μg/g. All 27 Northern corn samples (1991 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins at levels ranging from 2.32 to 16.64 μg/g. Twenty-six (96.3%) out of 27 corn samples from the Central-Southern region (1995 crop) were positive for fumonisins (FB₁+FB₂), with the range of 0.07–3.66 μg/g, while all 37 Northern samples (1995 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins ranging from 0.57 to 9.97 μg/g. Twenty-one out of 37 corn samples from the Northern region (1997 crop) were positive for fumonisins, but at low level (range of 0.05–2.67 μg/g). The results showed a decreasing trend in fumonisin contamination over the years. Nowadays animal intoxication outbreaks rarely occur in this State, as both animal producers and feed industries have become conscious about monitoring of corn and other raw materials at the quality control level.     

Assessment of mycoflora and infestation of insects,vector of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flavi</Emphasis>, in stored peanut from Argentina

The occurrence of spoilage fungi and Aspergillus section Flavi populations, the aflatoxins incidence, the role of insects as vectors of mycotoxin-producing fungi and the AFs-producing ability of the isolated species throughout the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) storage period were evaluated. Analyses of fungal populations from 95 peanut seed samples did not demonstrate significant differences between the incidences in each sampling period. Aspergillus section Flavi were isolated during all incubation periods. Cryptolestes spp. (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) were collected in August, September and October with 18, 16 and 28% of peanut samples contaminated, respectively. Insects isolated during August showed 69% of Aspergillus section Flavi contamination. A. flavus was the most frequently isolated (79%) from peanut seeds and from insect (59%). The greater levels of AFB₁ were detected in September and October with a mean of 68.86 μg/kg and 69.12 μg/kg respectively. The highest proportion of A. flavus toxigenic strains (87.5%) was obtained in June. The presence of Aspergillus section Flavi and insect vectors of aflatoxigenic fungi presented a potential risk for aflatoxin production during the peanut storage period. Integrated management of fungi and insect vectors is in progress.     

Influence of Selenium on Body Weights and Immune Organ Indexes in Ducklings Intoxicated with Aflatoxin B<Subscript>1</Subscript>

To investigate the influence of selenium on body weights and the immune organ indexes in ducklings administrated with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), 90 7-day-old ducklings were randomly divided into three groups (groups I–III). Group I was used as a blank control. Group II was administered with AFB₁ (0.1 mg/kg body weight). Group III was administered with AFB₁ (0.1 mg/kg body weight) plus sodium selenite (1 mg/kg body weight). All treatments were given once daily for 21 days. It showed that the ducklings’ bursa of fabricius, thymus indexes, and body weights in group II significantly decreased when compared with group I (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the spleen indexes significantly decreased (P < 0.01). However, the ducklings’ bursa of fabricius and thymus indexes, body weights in group III ducklings significantly increased when compared with group II (P < 0.01). In addition, the spleen indexes significantly decreased (P < 0.01). These results revealed that AFB₁ significantly affect ducklings’ growth and immune organs development. However, selenium significantly ameliorated the negative effects induced by AFB₁.     

A survey of aflatoxins in sesame seeds imported into Khorasan Province, Iran

Sesame seed is one of the main nutrient substances which is used in the food industries of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Because it is likely that stored sesame seeds are contaminated with mycotoxins, the levels of aflatoxins (AF) in five lots of imported sesame seeds before their distribution to the market were studied during one year. A total of 269 sub-samples were obtained from a total of 9,321 tons of sesame seeds from five importing companies. Aflatoxins at >1 μg/kg were found in 50 % of all samples, but at low levels in most cases, which is illustrated by mean AFB₁ and total AF levels of 1.25?±?3.70 and 1.43?±?4.38 μg/kg, respectively. A few (1.9 %) samples exceeded the National Iranian Standard maximum accepted level for AFB₁ (5 μg/kg) or total AF (15 μg/kg); the maximum total AF level found in one sample was 48 μg/kg. The results indicate that the risk of a violative AF contamination in imported sesame seeds is not negligible but is currently relatively low.     

Occurrence of fumonisins in maize imported into Iran during 2001–2002

Fumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have been shown to cause a variety of significant adverse health effects in livestock and experimental animals, and are probable human carcinogens. Thirty-three maize samples were collected at ports from bulk shipments, which were imported into Iran from six countries during 2001–2002, and analysed by HPLC for the most abundant of the naturally occurring fumonisin analogues, namely fumonisins B₁ (FB₁), B₂ (FB₂) and B₃ (FB₃). Of the 33 samples, 21 (64%) were found to contain FB₁ (58–512 μg/kg) at levels above 10 μg/kg. The frequency of FB₁ found in maize samples imported from Uruguay and Canada was 75%, followed by China and Argentina (67%), USA (60%), and Brazil (50%). The average FB₁ level was 266 and 169 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. Medians were 250 and 146 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. FB₂ levels ranged from not detected (<10 μg/kg) to 53 μg/kg, whereas no sample had an FB₃ level above the detection level (10 μg/kg). This is the first report of fumonisin contamination of imported maize in Iran. Although, the level of all detected fumonisins were below the Iranian and FDA tolerance levels for foods and feeds, It is necessary to maintain the strict rules to ensure continued safety of imported maize.