Immunochemical Methods for Aflatoxins

Drought in 1988 caused a high incidence of aflatoxin contamination in corn samples in nine states including TX, OK, IA, IN, IL, SD, MD, WI and MN (Wall Street Journal, 1988a). In Illinois, 27% of 52 corn samples contained more than 20 ng aflatoxins/g (Wall Street Journal, 1988b). On October 4, 1988, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established enforcement levels for aflatoxins in corn used in feed (Rothschild, 1988). The levels were 100, 200 and 300 ng/g depending on the animal consuming the feed containing the aflatoxin-contaminated corn. FDA enforcement action could also be supported when corn containing in excess of 20 ng total aflatoxins/g was destined for food used by humans, for feed used by immature animals and by dairy animals, or if its destination was not known.