AFLATOXINS SURVEY OF IMPORTED MAIZE IN THE RIYADH REGION

Since aflatoxins are formed in most of the feed ingredients (Maize, Barley, Soybean) utilized in manufacturing of poultry feeds, our objectives of this study were to determine the occurrance and level of aflatoxins in the imported maize, the major ingredient (40-60%) in the locally manufactured poultry feeds. The maize samples were collected from thirty farms around the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. At least three or four different sample lots were collected from each farm. In a survey of 101 samples analyzed, the results obtained revealed the presence of aflatoxins in 65 samples (64%). Of these positive aflatoxin samples about 45% were above the present FDA guidelines of 20 PP(b). The levels of total aflatoxins detected in the maize samples ranged between 6.2-390.3 PP(b). Aflatoxins B1 and B2 were the only toxins detected in the maize samples and the concentrations of these aflatoxins varied greatly among samples. In general, results showed a high incidence of aflatoxin contamination in maize samples tested.