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Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance...
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Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Quality and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2020) | Viewed by 24373

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jagger Harvey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Feed the Future Innovation Lab for the Reduction of Post-Harvest Loss, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Interests: global food security partnerships; mycotoxins; molecular plant pathology; post-harvest loss; crop improvement

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While research and development efforts are successfully increasing production, improving processing and expanding the availability of food globally, contamination with fungal toxins (mycotoxins) is increasingly recognized as a specter threatening global food and nutritional security. Food safety is a critical element of food security, and advances in avoiding and mitigating mycotoxin contamination represent a key component of this. Under Sustainable Development Goal 2, the United Nations states that “ending hunger is about all people having access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.” Mycotoxins pose a grave threat to agriculture, health, trade, and the environment, with aflatoxin alone estimated to threaten one quarter of the global food supply and the wellbeing of 4.5 billion people. Developed and developing countries alike confront this menace. With increasingly conducive environmental conditions, it has been estimated that US corn production could suffer up to $1.68 billion in losses, while it has been estimated that increased stringency of European regulations cost the African countries $670 million in export losses annually. A sustainable solution that benefits stakeholders in developing and developed countries alike, and which avoids concentrating mycotoxin-contaminated foods on the least informed and most vulnerable global populations as awareness increases, requires a concert of integrated innovations. These must include information, practices, and technologies that can substantially reduce mycotoxin accumulation in the food supply, along global food system value chains. This Special Issue will include technical publications on biophysical and socioeconomic innovations and insights into mycotoxin prevention, surveillance, and mitigation, and an overview of how they can work in concert to improve food safety and security for all stakeholders in global food systems.

Dr. Jagger Harvey
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Mycotoxin
  • Global food safety
  • Mycotoxin prevention
  • Mycotoxin surveillance
  • Mycotoxin mitigation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1079 KiB  
Article
Occurrence of Fusarium spp. in Maize Grain Harvested in Portugal and Accumulation of Related Mycotoxins during Storage
by Bruna Carbas, Daniela Simões, Andreia Soares, Andreia Freitas, Bruno Ferreira, Alexandre R. F. Carvalho, Ana Sanches Silva, Tiago Pinto, Eugénio Diogo, Eugénia Andrade and Carla Brites
Foods 2021, 10(2), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020375 - 9 Feb 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3760
Abstract
Maize is an important worldwide commodity susceptible to fungal contamination in the field, at harvest, and during storage. This work aimed to determine the occurrence of Fusarium spp. in maize grains produced in the Tagus Valley region of Portugal and the levels of [...] Read more.
Maize is an important worldwide commodity susceptible to fungal contamination in the field, at harvest, and during storage. This work aimed to determine the occurrence of Fusarium spp. in maize grains produced in the Tagus Valley region of Portugal and the levels of related mycotoxins in the 2018 harvest and during their storage for six months in barrels, mimicking silos conditions. Continuous monitoring of temperature, CO2, and relative humidity levels were done, as well as the concentration of mycotoxins were evaluated and correlated with the presence of Fusarium spp. F. verticillioides was identified as the predominant Fusarium species. Zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and toxin T2 were not found at harvest and after storage. Maize grains showed some variability in the levels of fumonisins (Fum B1 and Fum B2). At the harvest, fumonisin B1 ranged from 1297 to 2037 µg/kg, and fumonisin B2 ranged from 411 to 618 µg/kg. Fumonisins showed a tendency to increase (20 to 40%) during six months of storage. Although a correlation between the levels of fumonisins and the monitoring parameters was not established, CO2 levels may be used to predict fungal activity during storage. The composition of the fungal population during storage may predict the incidence of mycotoxins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
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18 pages, 1981 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Aflatoxin- and Fumonisin-Producing Fungi Associated with Cereal Crops Grown in Zimbabwe and Their Associated Risks in a Climate Change Scenario
by Juliet Akello, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Bwalya Katati, Joseph Atehnkeng, Joao Augusto, Chama M. Mwila, George Mahuku, David Chikoye and Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
Foods 2021, 10(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020287 - 31 Jan 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3816
Abstract
In most sub-Saharan African countries, staple cereal grains harbor many fungi and some produce mycotoxins that negatively impact health and trade. Maize and three small grain cereals (sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet) produced by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe during 2016 and 2017 [...] Read more.
In most sub-Saharan African countries, staple cereal grains harbor many fungi and some produce mycotoxins that negatively impact health and trade. Maize and three small grain cereals (sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet) produced by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe during 2016 and 2017 were examined for fungal community structure, and total aflatoxin (AF) and fumonisin (FM) content. A total of 800 maize and 180 small grain samples were collected at harvest and during storage from four agroecological zones. Fusarium spp. dominated the fungi associated with maize. Across crops, Aspergillusflavus constituted the main Aspergillus spp. Small grain cereals were less susceptible to both AF and FM. AF (52%) and FM (89%) prevalence was higher in maize than in small grains (13–25% for AF and 0–32% for FM). Less than 2% of small grain samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit for AF (4 µg/kg), while <10% exceeded the EU regulatory limit for FM (1000 µg/kg). For maize, 28% and 54% of samples exceeded AF and FM Codex guidance limits, respectively. Higher AF contamination occurred in the drier and hotter areas while more FM occurred in the wetter year. AF exposure risk assessment revealed that small grain consumption posed low health risks (≤0.02 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year) while maize consumption potentially caused higher liver cancer rates of up to 9.2 cases/100,000 persons/year depending on the locality. Additionally, FM hazard quotients from maize consumption among children and adults were high in both years, but more so in a wet year than a dry year. Adoption of AF and FM management practices throughout the maize value chain coupled with policies supporting dietary diversification are needed to protect maize consumers in Zimbabwe from AF- and FM-associated health effects. The higher risk of health burden from diseases associated with elevated concentration of mycotoxins in preferred maize during climate change events can be relieved by increased consumption of small grains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
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13 pages, 1214 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Weather on the Occurrence of Aflatoxin B1 in Harvested Maize from Kenya and Tanzania
by Benigni A. Temba, Ross E. Darnell, Anne Gichangi, Deogratias Lwezaura, Philip G. Pardey, Jagger J. Harvey, James Karanja, Said M. S. Massomo, Noboru Ota, James M. Wainaina, Mary T. Fletcher and Darren J. Kriticos
Foods 2021, 10(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020216 - 21 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3283
Abstract
A study was conducted using maize samples collected from different agroecological zones of Kenya (n = 471) and Tanzania (n = 100) during the 2013 maize harvest season to estimate a relationship between aflatoxin B1 concentration and occurrence with weather conditions [...] Read more.
A study was conducted using maize samples collected from different agroecological zones of Kenya (n = 471) and Tanzania (n = 100) during the 2013 maize harvest season to estimate a relationship between aflatoxin B1 concentration and occurrence with weather conditions during the growing season. The toxins were analysed by the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Aflatoxin B1 incidence ranged between 0–100% of samples in different regions with an average value of 29.4% and aflatoxin concentrations of up to 6075 µg/kg recorded in one sample. Several regression techniques were explored. Random forests achieved the highest overall accuracy of 80%, while the accuracy of a logistic regression model was 65%. Low rainfall occurring during the early stage of the maize plant maturing combined with high temperatures leading up to full maturity provide warning signs of aflatoxin contamination. Risk maps for the two countries for the 2013 season were generated using both random forests and logistic regression models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
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12 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Surveillance of Patulin in Apple, Grapes, Juices and Value-Added Products for Sale in Pakistan
by Shabbir Hussain, Muhammad Rafique Asi, Mazhar Iqbal, Muhammad Akhtar, Muhammad Imran and Agustín Ariño
Foods 2020, 9(12), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121744 - 26 Nov 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3607
Abstract
The prime objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxin patulin (PAT) in apples, grapes and their value added products. PAT was determined by a validated method based on HPLC with UV detector. A total of 381 samples comprising [...] Read more.
The prime objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxin patulin (PAT) in apples, grapes and their value added products. PAT was determined by a validated method based on HPLC with UV detector. A total of 381 samples comprising apple and grape fruits (n = 133 each), apple-based products (n = 76, juice, puree, jam) and grape juice (n = 39) were analyzed. PAT was found in 58.9% samples of apple and apple-based products, with a mean of 49.8 µg/kg (maximum 396 µg/kg), while 27.3% samples contained PAT beyond the maximum regulatory limit of 50 µg/kg. The average levels of PAT contamination in apple-derived products was higher in apple juice concentrate, followed by apple puree, apple juice and apple jam. The incidence of PAT in table grapes was 65.1%, with a mean of 53.9 µg/kg (maximum 505 µg/kg), whereas 23.8% exceeded the maximum level. Among the fruit samples, there were differences in PAT contents due to apple variety (6 types) or grape variety (8 types), as well as for sampling location. Our investigations showed the wide PAT occurrence in fruits and derived value-added products affecting consumer product safety, so that the population is chronically exposed to this toxin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
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Review

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40 pages, 495 KiB  
Review
Mycotoxin Occurrence, Exposure and Health Implications in Infants and Young Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review
by Cynthia Adaku Chilaka and Angela Mally
Foods 2020, 9(11), 1585; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111585 - 1 Nov 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4145
Abstract
Infants and young children (IYC) remain the most vulnerable population group to environmental hazards worldwide, especially in economically developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). As a result, several governmental and non-governmental institutions including health, environmental and food safety networks and researchers have [...] Read more.
Infants and young children (IYC) remain the most vulnerable population group to environmental hazards worldwide, especially in economically developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). As a result, several governmental and non-governmental institutions including health, environmental and food safety networks and researchers have been proactive toward protecting this group. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary fungal metabolites, contribute largely to the health risks of this young population. In SSA, the scenario is worsened by socioeconomic status, poor agricultural and storage practices, and low level of awareness, as well as the non-establishment and lack of enforcement of regulatory limits in the region. Studies have revealed mycotoxin occurrence in breast milk and other weaning foods. Of concern is the early exposure of infants to mycotoxins through transplacental transfer and breast milk as a consequence of maternal exposure, which may result in adverse health effects. The current paper presents an overview of mycotoxin occurrence in foods intended for IYC in SSA. It discusses the imperative evidence of mycotoxin exposure of this population group in SSA, taking into account consumption data and the occurrence of mycotoxins in food, as well as biomonitoring approaches. Additionally, it discusses the health implications associated with IYC exposure to mycotoxins in SSA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
13 pages, 278 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Methodology of Analyzing Aflatoxin and Fumonisin in Single Corn Kernels and the Potential Impacts of These Methods on Food Security
by Ruben A. Chavez, Xianbin Cheng and Matthew J. Stasiewicz
Foods 2020, 9(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9030297 - 5 Mar 2020
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4744
Abstract
Current detection methods for contamination of aflatoxin and fumonisin used in the corn industry are based on bulk level. However, literature demonstrates that contamination of these mycotoxins is highly skewed and bulk samples do not always represent accurately the overall contamination in a [...] Read more.
Current detection methods for contamination of aflatoxin and fumonisin used in the corn industry are based on bulk level. However, literature demonstrates that contamination of these mycotoxins is highly skewed and bulk samples do not always represent accurately the overall contamination in a batch of corn. Single kernel analysis can provide an insightful level of analysis of the contamination of aflatoxin and fumonisin, as well as suggest a possible remediation to the skewness present in bulk detection. Current literature describes analytical methods capable of detecting aflatoxin and fumonisin at a single kernel level, such as liquid chromatography, fluorescence imaging, and reflectance imaging. These methods could provide tools to classify mycotoxin contaminated kernels and study potential co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin. Analysis at a single kernel level could provide a solution to the skewness present in mycotoxin contamination detection and offer improved remediation methods through sorting that could impact food security and management of food waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safeguarding the Global Food Supply: Advances in Mycotoxin Prevention, Surveillance and Mitigation)
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