Fumonisins B1 and B2 in Corn-Based Products Commercialized in the State of Santa Catarina- Southern

Corn flour, “canjica ” (corn grits), corn flakes and popcorn for human consumption, commercialized in Santa Catarina (n=82), were analyzed in order to detect the presence of fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2). From the samples, 92.68 % showed detectable levels of Fumonisins (FBs). Corn flour showed the highest level of contamination (91.5%) with average levels of 3.811 and 5.737 µg/g for the home-processed and industrialized products, respectively. The next most contaminated product was popcorn with a average of 2.872 µg/g and an occurrence in 91.6 % of the samples. All samples of corn flakes were contaminated with an average of 1.307 µg/g. The product with the lowest levels of FBs was “canjica ” with a average contamination of 0.732 µg/g. These results indicated the need of monitoring corn-based products in this state. Key words: Corn, fumonisins, Brazilian corn products *Author for correspondenc