Prevention and Control

of Aflatoxin
The Challenge is …
How can we minimize
aflatoxin contamination in
corn?
 *Increase in aflatoxin from harvest to
storage in yellow and white corn

90
80
70
Aflatoxin (ppb)

60
50 Yellow
40 White
30
20
10
0

*Data from DA-BPRE

Postharvest operations that favor
the production of aflatoxin

1. Shelling corn on cob with MC ranging from 26% and

above favors the growth of aflatoxin forming fungi

2. Storage in plastic sack or spreading on floor for more

than 3 days for shelled corn with MC of 18 % and above

3. Storage of unevenly dried corn grains, i.e., pockets

of skin dry (15%-17% MC) grains are present in the
lot, favors aflatoxin production
Other Conditions that Favor
Aflatoxin After Harvest

4. Stress condition of the plants before harvest

such as insect infestation, drought condition and
lack of fertilization

5. Corn moisture content between 22% to 18%

produce high amount of aflatoxin

6. Damaged corn grains favor the growth of

the aflatoxin forming fungi

7. Growth of the aflatoxin forming fungi is favored

in the presence of impurities (e.g. cobs)
Prevention of Aflatoxin
Contamination in Corn

• Harvest corn at full maturity

• Dry corn ears before shelling; MC should be at 18-21%
before shelling is done to prevent mechanical damage
• Dry the shelled corn uniformly to 14% or below within
two days from shelling
• Prevent contaminating dried from fresh corn grains
• Prevent insect infestation in storage
• Prevent microbial growth during storage
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin

1. Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)

- package of technology for optimum
crop production.
- control of pests and diseases.
- proper irrigation.
- appropriate application of fertilizer.
- use of resistant varieties.
- Appropriate postharvest practices
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin
2. Provision of postharvest facilities
- well designed mechanical corn facilities
- fast and efficient mechanical dryers
- construction of more drying pavements
- construction of warehouses and bulk
handling storage facilities.
 Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin

3. Farm to market road

- construction of road linking production
area to the market.
- use of alternative mode of transportation
* water transport system
* by train
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin
4. Regulatory control and enforcement

- Enactment of legislation with appropriate funding for a

nationwide monitoring and surveillance system for the
detection of aflatoxin.
- Ample preparation on the part of the
government and the industry sectors to
be ready for the comprehensive monitoring
and surveillance system.
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin
5. Establishment of Mycotoxin laboratories
- Must be embodied in the legislation for
the monitoring and surveillance system
- Reference, central and field mycotoxin
labs equipped with the equipment need to
be established
- Manpower requirements and MOE must
be appropriated
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin
6. Training, Seminars and Advocacy Campaign
- training on sampling, sample preparation
for quality control officer.
- training on analytical method for aflatoxin
detection for the analysts.
- training on the prevention and control of
aflatoxin for farmers and technicians.
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin

7. Information and advocacy campaign

- awareness campaign on health hazard
associated with aflatoxin.
- Information campaign on prevention and
control.
- Advocacy campaign to create policy
which will provide incentives for premium
quality aflatoxin- safe commodities.
Measures for Integrated
Control of Aflatoxin

8. Research and Development

- Efforts made in prevention and control
must be backed-up by strong Rand D
component.
- One important area needing attention is
the development of a reliable low-cost
detection method for aflatoxin.
Interventions

1. Promotion of GAP Corn

2. Conduct Trainings and Seminar- Workshops on
Aflatoxin Prevention and Control
3. Advocacy activities on the promotion of Corn
Product Standards

4. Conduct Search for Regional & National Most

Outstanding Quality Corn Farmer
5. Promotion of Corn for Health
6. Strengthening Aflatoxin Laboratories
7. Provision/Distribution of ELIZA Reader
Aflatoxin and extraction Test Kits
8. Promotion of Corn Quality Standards and
Health benefits of Corn through Radio Program
(in major corn eating areas)
How does aflatoxin affect the
human liver?
 Target organs of some
mycotoxins
Mycotoxin Target

Aflatoxin liver

Ochratoxin A kidney

Trichothecenes mucosa

Ergot alkaloids peripheral vascular

system

Zearalenone uro-genital tract

Table 2. Primary liver cancer index
(PLCI) and
per capita corn intake by region a
Per capita corn
Region PLCI Intake/ day (g)
Eastern Visayas 8.5 147.1
South-western 7.1 102.2
Mindanao
North-eastern 6.4 84.6
Mindanao
Western Visayas 5.6 77.7
Southern Tagalog 4.1 2.1
Bicol 3.7 33.5
Ilocos 3.3 5.5
Cagayan Valley 2.9 71.8
Metro Manila 6.6 1.6
Data obtained from Jayme et al.
a
Economic losses
1. Farmer losses

a. Contaminated food crops will be downgraded

to feed grade thus lowering price.
b. Animals fed with contaminated feed may
suffer mycotoxicosis which will lead to
reduced yields or death of livestock and
poultry.
c. Farmers may have to pay additional
veterinary services and medical services.
2. Merchant Losses

a. Merchant stands to lose if buyer refuses the

product or offers a reduced payment.
b. Cost of shipping and other transport for
refused import/export entry due to non-
conformity to specifications will be incurred.
c. Cost of surveillance and control for retained
commodities will increase.
 3. Consumer Losses
a. Consumption of contaminated food may
lead to impaired health, additional cost
of medication and loss of earnings.
b. Producers export wholesome food,
leaving lower quality food for national
consumption.
Aflatoxicosis
Bruise on subcutis and muscles in chicken
T 2 - Toxicosis
Necrotic inflammation at the edge of the
mandible in duck
Aflatoxicosis

Fragile liver , increased in size , pale in color with

fatty changes
Zearalenone
Mycotoxicosis
Vulvovaginitis in female piglet
 THANK YOU!
Bureau of Agriculture & Fisheries Product Standards
Website: www.bafps.da.gov.ph
Email : bafpsda@yahoo.com.ph
Telefax No. (+632) 920.6131