Exposure assessment of dogs to mycotoxins through consumption of dry feed

BACKGROUNDThe Brazilian exportation of pet food has shown high growth rates in the last two years and determination of the exposure degree is one of the most important parameters for the risk assessment of chemical compounds. In this study the exposure degree of dogs to mycotoxins was estimated and acceptable daily intake (ADI) and safe pet dietary level (SPDL) were calculated. Thus the natural occurrence of fumonisins, zearalenone and aflatoxins was evaluated in 100 dry dog feed samples provided by pet owners in Parana State, Brazil. RESULTSDespite the high frequency of fumonisins (68%), zearalenone (95%) and aflatoxins (68%) in feed samples, the mean levels detected were low. ADI for fumonisins and zearalenone was 20.0 and 1.00 mu gkg(-1) body weight (BW) day(-1) respectively and SPDL for fumonisins was 2000 mu gkg(-1) feed. The probable daily intake values (1.83 mu g fumonisins, 0.93 mu g zearalenone and 0.02 mu g aflatoxins kg(-1) BW day(-1)) were low. CONCLUSIONThe exposure degree of dogs could be assumed to be very low. However, the co-occurrence of these three or other mycotoxins, and possible synergic or additive effects, should be taken into account when determining the maximum allowed levels or risk assessment. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry