Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in the weaning food of Nigerian children

A total of 48 samples of maize-based gruels, used as weaning food for children, were taken daily from hospital meals and from patients' mothers while their children were on admission at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, Nigeria. These samples were analysed for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. Twelve samples (25%) were positive for aflatoxins (concentration range 2-19716 pg/g) but only four (8%) were positive for ochratoxin (concentration range 142-6516 pg/g). In the majority, the concentrations were relatively low, only two having aflatoxin and one ochratoxin A levels greater than 1000 pg/g. It is concluded that, unlike aflatoxin, ochratoxin A contamination is unlikely to present a major health hazard to the newly weaned child in this area of Nigeria.