Effect of heat treatments on the phytic acid content of maize products

Processing of maize (Zea mays L fresh and dry) for the production of various traditional products results in the loss of phytic acid. Fresh mature corn contains less phytic acid (1·71 g kg^?1) than dry corn (7·15–7.60 g kg^?1). The loss of phytic acid varies from 18·1 to 46·7% for fresh maize and from 11·5 to 52·6% for dry maize respectively among the heat treatments given. From a nutritional viewpoint, consumption of maize as chapati and after roasting in a sand bath or on charcoal will improve the availability of minerals.     

The effect of nitrite,garlic and starter culture on the survival of Salmonella typhimurium in Turkish soudjuk

The effects of nitrite, garlic and starter cultures on the survival of Salmonella typhimurium were evaluated during manufacture and storage of Turkish soudjuk. Sodium nitrate (0·2 g kg^?1) and garlic (8 g kg^?1) added to the sausage did not have any significant effect on the survival of S typhimurium. The use of a commercial starter culture had a pronounced effect on the survival of the test organism. An initial inoculum of 2·5 × 10⁵ g^?1 S typhimurium cells decreased to an undetectable level within 12 days of the ageing period when the starter culture was used.     

Inhibition of oxidative rancidity in frozen cooked fish flakes by tert-butylhydroquinone and rosemary extract

The antioxidant properties of tert-butylhydroquinone (0·5 g kg^?1 + 20 g kg^?1 ascorbic acid—TBHQ-AS) and an extract of rosemary (2·5 g kg^?1) alone and in combination were determined by their addition as solutions to cooked fish flakes stored at - 20°C. Oxidation was measured by following changes in free fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid number, fatty acid composition and sensory evaluation. The order of effectiveness in inhibiting oxidation was TBHQ-AS > combination > rosemary > untreated control ?70°C > untreated control -20°C. Sensory evaluation indicated that green aroma and flavor notes were associated with the rosemary extract, while fish oil notes were associated with untreated samples.     

Aflatoxins in animal feed in Iran

One hundred and forty-six samples of animal feed (barley, n = 60; wheat bran, n = 22; wheat dry pulp, n = 29; and canola meal, n = 35) were collected in 2011 from Mashhad (Khorasan, Iran). Aflatoxins (AFs) were determined in these samples after immunoaffinity column clean-up by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination was found in 28 samples: in five of the barley samples (8.3%) at a mean level of 0.48 µg·kg^?1, in two wheat bran samples (9.0%) at a mean level of 0.88 µg·kg^?1, in 10 wheat dry pulp samples (34.5%) at a mean level of 0.30 µg·kg^?1 and in 11 canola meal samples (31.4%) at a mean level of 0.92 µg·kg^?1. AFB₁ levels were below the maximum levels of Iran regulations (5 µg·kg^?1) and the EU maximum limit (5 µg·kg^?1).     

Increase in low molecular size uronic acid in ripening banana fruit

Uronic acid soluble in ethanol/water (4:1 v/v) increased from 9 ± 1 mg kg^?1 fresh weight in pulp of unripe banana fruit. Musa (AAA Group, Cavendish subgroup) ‘Williams’, to 53 ± 13 mg kg^?1 fresh weight in fruit ripened for 13 days. This increase began within the first 2 days of ripening. Uronic acid soluble in phenol/acetic acid/water (2:1:1 w/v/v) increased from 15 ± 5 to 86 ± 17 mg kg^?1 fresh weight during the first 8 days of ripening, accompanied by a decrease in cell wall uronic acid from 10·2 ± 0·8 to 4·4 ± 0·4 g kg^?1 fresh weight. Most or all of the uronic acid in extracts of ripe pulp cochromatographed with monogalacturonic acid. The results were consistent with hydrolysis of cell wall polyuronides by exopolygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.67).     

Characterisation of Lignin from CAD and OMT Deficient Bm Mutants of Maize

Internodes of the maize cell line W401 and bm₁ and bm₃ mutants expressed in W401 were harvested 5 days after anthesis (A5) and at silage (S) stage. The normal maize had a higher total phenolic (TP) content (80·5–90·5 g kg^-1 cell wall DM) than both bm₁ and bm₃ mutants (74·4–86·4 and 66·0– 84·2 g kg^-1 cell wall DM, respectively). TP were inversely related to cellulase digestibility with values of 85·4–91·5, 89·3–92·1 and 91·3–94·1% for normal, bm₁ and bm₃. Marked differences in p-coumaric acid concentrations were found ranging from 20·9 to 26·3 g kg^-1 cell wall DM for normal, 14·9 to 15·3 g kg^-1 for bm₁ to 10·1 to 14·4 g kg^-1 for bm₃. The ferulate pattern was entirely different with the bm₁ genotype providing the lowest total (9·1–10·7 g kg^-1) and etherified (1·9–2·3 g kg^-1) values. Although the bm₃ contained more total ferulate (11·5–13·1 vs 10·9–11·7 g kg^-1), the normal variety had a significantly greater amount of etherified ferulate (2·8–3·4 vs 3·2–4.1 g kg^-1) implying a greater extent of cross-linking between wall polymers. Recovery of guaiacyl and syringyl residues was greatest in the normal maize with the bm₁ occupying the middle position between the two extremes. Calculated S: G ratios from 4 M NaOH digestion and NMR were in good agreement with the normal line giving the highest ratio, bm₁ intermediate and bm₃ the lowest. Colorimetric analysis revealed a large increase in the aldehyde content of the in situ bm₁ lignin compared to normal and bm₃ genotypes although NMR failed to reveal significant numbers of aldehydic resonances. © 1997 SCI.     

In vitro protein digestibility and mineral availability of green beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL) as influenced by variety and pod size

Three varieties of green beans (Cleo, Strike and Sentry) were harvested and sorted into four fractions according to pod size (diameter <7 mm; 7–8·5 mm; 8·6–10 mm and >10 mm). Ash content and dietary fibre increased significantly as pod size increased mainly in Cleo and Strike beans. Strike showed the highest fibre content (378·0 g kg⁻¹) but the lowest carbohydrate (364·6 g kg⁻¹) and ash (68·4 g kg⁻¹) values. Mean values for Fe and Mg content were higher in Cleo beans (70·9 and 27·1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), Zn, Cu and Mg were higher in Strike beans (48·7 mg kg⁻¹, 22·4 mg kg⁻¹ and 3·15 g kg⁻¹, respectively) while Na and Ca values were maximum in Sentry (459·1 mg kg⁻¹ and 7·11 g kg⁻¹, respectively). Trypsin inhibitor was negatively related to in vitro protein digestibility but no relationship was found between this last parameter and phytic acid content. This antinutrient, together with dietary fibre, and a negative influence on in vitro mineral dialysability of green beans. © 1998 SCI     

Nutrient contents,rumen protein degradability and antinutritional factors in some colour- and white-flowering cultivars of Vicia faba beans

Six colour-flowering (Scirocco, Alfred, Carola, Condor, Tina and Herz Freya) and six white-flowering (Caspar, Albatros, Gloria, Tyrol, Vasco and Cresta) cultivars of Vicia faba were studied. The crude protein contents of colour- and white-flowering cultivars were 267±13·6 and 283±18·8 g kg⁻¹, respectively, which did not differ significantly at P<0·05. The levels of lipids, crude fibre, starch and ash varied from 14 to 22 g kg⁻¹, 88 to 143 g kg⁻¹, 407 to 485 g kg⁻¹ and 32 to 42 g kg⁻¹, respectively. The calculated organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) of the white-flowering cultivars were significantly higher (P<0·001) than those of the colour-flowering cultivars (OMD: 889·1±26·6 g kg⁻¹ vs 797·5±17·1 g kg⁻¹; ME: 13·97±0·49 vs 12·30±0·34 MJ kg⁻¹). In all cultivars, sulphur amino acids were lower than adequate concentration when compared with recommended amino acid pattern of FAO/WHO/UNO reference protein for a 2–5-year-old child. The in vitro rumen nitrogen degradability of colour-flowering cultivars was significantly lower (P<0·01) compared to that of white-flowering cultivars (71·4±9·3% vs 88·0±11·1%). Amongst colour-flowering varieties, the contents of total phenols (TP), tannins (T) and condensed tannins (CT) were highest in Alfred (28·3, 21·0 and 35·4 g kg⁻¹, respectively). The contents of TP and T were similar (about 15 and 10 g kg⁻¹, respectively) in Carola, Tina and Herz Freya, and the CT were in the order: Condor>Herz Freya>Carola. The CT were not detected in white-flowering varieties, T were virtually absent and TP were extremely low (4·0–4·9 g kg⁻¹). The activities of other antinutritional factors (white- and colour-flowering cultivars, respectively: trypsin inhibitor activity 3·05±0·34 and 1·85±0·09 mg trypsin inhibited g⁻¹; lectin 27·2±9·4 and 27·1±5·1 mg ml⁻¹ assay medium producing haemagglutination; phytate 15·0±2·7 and 16·6±2·3 g kg⁻¹) were very low. A strong negative correlation (r=-0·92, P<0·001) between tannins and in vitro rumen protein degradability was observed which suggested that tannins have adverse effect on protein degradability. Similarly negative correlations between tannin levels and metabolisable energy (r=-0·89; P<0·001) and organic matter digestibility (r=-0·89; P<0·001) were observed. The correlation coefficient between trypsin inhibitor activity and tannins was negative and highly significant (r=-0·88, P<0·001), whereas between tannins and saponins it was significantly positive (r=0·96, P<0·001). ©1997 SCI     

Gross composition,amino acid,phytic acid and trace element contents of thirteen cowpea cultivars and their nutritional significance

Thirteen cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) were analysed for their proximate composition, amino acid, trace element and phytic acid contents. Crude protein values ranged from 206·8 to 283·8 g kg^?1 DM. The mean contents (g kg^?1) of other major nutrients were ether extract, 18·6; ash, 38·8; total dietary fibre, 121·8 and carbohydrates, 573·4. When compared with the provisional amino acid scoring pattern of FAO, all cultivars were low in methionine and high in lysine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine plus tyrosine. Values for threonine and valine were variable compared with the pattern. The range of values for the chemical score was 0·61–0·74. Phytic acid values ranged from 5·10 to 10·27 g kg^?1, and the phytate: zinc molar ratios were all higher than that (15:1) above which zinc deficiency can be induced. Most of the trace elements showed wide variation in their occurrence among the cultivars. The values for zinc and iron showed less variation. The toxic elements mercury and selenium were present in varying amounts in more than half of the cultivars while tin was found in only one variety.     

Effect of added glucose and xylose on the fermentation of perennial ryegrass silage inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L) was ensiled in laboratory silos after addition of glucose or xylose at rates of 0, 25, 35 and 45 g kg^?1 fresh grass. In addition, an inoculum of Lactobacillus plantarum, supplying 10⁶ organisms g^?1 fresh grass, was applied to all treatments. Silos were opened after 7, 21 and 100 days and the silage was subjected to chemical and microbiological analysis. AH silages were well fermented with pHs between 3·60 and 3·70 and low NH₃-N concentrations (<95 g kg^?1 total nitrogen) and an absence of butyric acid. Glucose was virtually completely consumed within 21 days but 0·30–0·50 of the xylose doses remained after 100 days. Lactic acid concentrations were not increased by the addition of sugars, but the glucose treatments were associated with very high concentrations of ethanol, 60–100 g kg^?1 DM, and the xylose additions produced very high concentrations of acetic acid, 60–135 g kg^?1 DM. Most(>0·80) of the glucose that disappeared could be accounted for in ethanol formation but the xylose consumed could be accounted for only if the lactic acid produced in its fermentation was metabolised further to acetic acid; indeed, for the two higher doses of xylose, the concentrations of lactic acid were reduced from the control value of 177 g kg^?1 DM to 140 and 120 g kg^?1 DM, respectively. The results indicate that the provision of extra sugar, as hexose or pentose, allows yeasts to assume a more prominent role in the fermentation with consequent wasteful fermentation of sugars. Furthermore, the suggestion is that xylose may indirectly, via a stimulation of lactate-assimilating yeasts, encourage further metabolism of lactic acid to acetic acid.     

Evaluation and validation of two microbiological tests for screening antibiotic residues in honey according to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods

Two microbiological kits based on Bacillus stearothermophilus (Eclipse 50® and Premi®Test) have been evaluated and validated according to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods (January 2010) and in relation to the concentrations recommended by the EU-RL in 2007. Both tests are robust, a fast method and easy to implement. Both tests are applicable to a very large variety of honeys from different floral and geographical origins (rosemary, lavender, scrub, heath, alder, forest, lemon, acacia, chestnut, raspberry, mountain and flowers) as well as honey of different colours (from blank honey to brown honey, including yellow and orange honey). A satisfactory false-positive rate of 5% was obtained for the Eclipse 50® test. The observed detection capabilities CCβ of the Eclipse 50® kit were: chlortetracycline (>75?µg?kg^?1), oxytetracycline (≤200?µg?kg^?1), tetracycline (>100?µg?kg^?1), cloxacillin (≤40?µg?kg^?1), tylosin (≤200?µg?kg^?1), desmycosin (>400?µg?kg^?1), sulfadiazine (≤300?µg?kg^?1), sulfadimethoxine (≤250?µg?kg^?1), sulfamerazine (>300?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethazine (>1000?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethizole (>75?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethoxazole (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfanilamide (?1000?µg?kg^?1), sulfaquinoxaline (>75?µg?kg^?1), sulfathiazole (≤250?µg?kg^?1) and lincomycin (>1500?µg?kg^?1). These levels were all higher than the recommended concentrations where they exist. Due to its lack of sensitivity, it cannot be recommended for reliable routine use. The observed CCβ of the Premi®Test kit were: chlortetracycline (10?µg?kg^?1), oxytetracycline (>10?µg?kg^?1), tetracycline (≤10?µg?kg^?1), cloxacillin (≤5?µg?kg^?1), tylosin (≤10?µg?kg^?1), desmycosin (≤15?µg?kg^?1), sulfadiazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfadimethoxine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamerazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethizole (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethoxazole (≤10?µg?kg^?1), sulfanilamide (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfaquinoxaline (≤10?µg?kg^?1), sulfathiazole (25?µg?kg^?1) and lincomycin (≤25?µg?kg^?1). The Premi®Test kit could be recommended for reliable use in routine control due to its low detection capabilities (except for aminoglycosides), but the disadvantage is a high false-positive rate of 14%.     

Determination of Chlorogenic Acids with Lactones in Roasted Coffee

An HPLC method has been developed which allowed the determination of mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids (CQA and di-CQA), corresponding lactones (CQL) and feruloylquinic acids (FQA) in roasted coffee within one chromatographic run. The elution order was verified by isolation of the individual compounds by preparative HPLC, chromatography of the fractions on the analytical HPLC system, NMR spectroscopy and thermospray LC-MS. At least 15 additional minor compounds had the spectra of hydroxycinnamic acids, some of them only occurring in roasted coffee. Caffeoyltryptophan, which has been identified some time ago by another working group could also be separated with this system. The average contents in commercial roasted coffee samples (n=12) were: 3-CQA, 5·0 g kg⁻¹; 4-CQA, 6·2 g kg⁻¹; 5-CQA, 11·4 g kg⁻¹; 4-FQA, 0·7 g kg⁻¹; 5-FQA, 1·4 g kg⁻¹; 3-CQL, 2·1 g kg⁻¹; 4-CQL, 1·0 g kg⁻¹; 3,4-di-CQA, 0·7 g kg⁻¹; 3,5-di-CQA, 0·4 g kg⁻¹ and 4,5-di-CQA, 0·8 g kg⁻¹ dry matter. There were only small differences between the different brands. Two series of samples with different degrees of roast produced from the same green coffee have also been analysed. One series was steam treated before roasting (a process which is commercially used to improve digestibility). Only in the initial stages of roasting (light roast) could a difference in the contents of the acids between both series be observed. Keeping coffee brews at an elevated temperature (4 h at 80°C) reduced the amounts of CQL to 60% of the initial value. The contents of 3-CQA and 4-CQA increased, whilst that of 5-CQA decreased. The overall contents of CQA decreased.     

Use of Porter's reagents for the characterisation of thearubigins and other non-proanthocyanidins

A previously published method for the HPLC analysis of the anthocyanidin pigments produced by the autoxidative depolymerization of proanthocyanidins by heating in a solution of n-butanol/HCl (95/5 v/v) and iron(III) salts (Porter's reagents) has been refined. The pigments are detected by monitoring at 530 nm, but by monitoring the eluate also at 280 nm and 380 nm a wider variety of products resulting from the same autoxidation and/or hydrolysis/transesterification reactions can be detected. Such products have been shown to include aglycones (particularly flavonols from flavonol glycosides) and n-butyl gallate (from galloyl esters). The advantages of monitoring the wider range of transformation products are illustrated by applying the method to the characterisation of two heterogeneous thearubigin fractions isolated from black tea liquor. The caffeine-precipitatable thearubigin fraction contained 181 g proanthocyanidins kg^?1 (as procyanidin dimer equivalents), a trace (～2 g kg^?1) of flavonols (as aglycones), 74 g kg^?1 galloyl ester and 5·6 g kg^?1 elemental N (determined by microanalysis): caffeine was not detectable and some 74% of the fraction remains uncharacterised. The theafulvin fraction contained 105 g proanthocyanidins kg^?1 (as procyanidin dimer equivalents), < 1 g kg^?1 quercetin and 71 g kg^?1 galloyl ester, but neither caffeine nor elemental N was detectable; some 82% of the fraction remains uncharacterised. The proanthocyanidins of both hump fractions contained not only prodelphinidins and procyanidins but also propelargonidins which have not previously been reported in tea.     

Proximate Composition and Seed Lipid Components of Sorghum Cultivars from Argentina

Seeds of 11 sorghum cultivars ( Sorghum bicolor ) from Argentina were analysed for proximate composition, fatty acids and sterols. Oil, protein, carbohydrate and ash contents varied between 41 and 66 g kg⁻¹, 111 and 156 g kg⁻¹, 670 and 730 g kg⁻¹ and 13·8 and 20·6 g kg⁻¹ of dry matter, respectively. Fatty acid profiles revealed that the major acids were palmitic (15·1–24·8%), oleic (29·9–41·8%) and linoleic (35·9–51·3%). Unsaponifiable matter was examined for sterols. Sitosterol was the prominent component in all cultivars (43·8–57·9%), followed by campesterol (18·7–29·1%) and stigmasterol (12·4–20·5%).     

Seed oil of white star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum)—physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition

Quercetin and kaempferol rhamnodiglucosides are characteristic compounds of Camellia sinensis. Their structures were determined as quercetin-and kaempferol-3-O-[β-D -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L -rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D -glucopyranosides]. Reversed phase HPLC methods for preparative isolation and analytical separation of both compounds were developed. The structural elucidation of the compounds by means of NMR spectroscopy, fast atom bombardment MS and GC-MS of the sugar moieties is described. Black tea contains 0–0·95 g kg^?1 quercetin rhamnodiglucoside and 0·05–1·25 g kg^?1 kaempferol rhamnodiglucoside.     

Determination of acrylamide in Thai-conventional snacks from Nong Mon market,Chonburi using GC-MS technique

Acrylamide in Thai-conventional snacks was analysed by GC/MS with a linear response ranged of 5–50?µg and r ^2?>?0.99. The limit of detection (s/n?=?(3) and limit of quantification (s/n?=?10) were 4 and 15?µg?kg^?1, respectively, and RSD?<?2%. Acrylamide in 19 food samples ranged from <15?µg?kg^?1 to 1.26?mg?kg^?1 with highest concentrations in Kanom Jak. Moderate levels (150–500?µg?kg^?1) were detected mostly in deep-fried products, especially sweet potato and taro crisps, Kanom Kai Hong, banana fritters, durian chips and spring rolls. Thai-conventional snacks possessed low concentrations (<150?µg?kg^?1) including Khao Larm, Pa Tong Koo, sweet banana crisps and deep-fried Chinese wonton. Acrylamide was lowest (<15?µg?kg^?1) in fish strips, rice crackers, Hoi Jor and fried fish balls. Dietary habits by 400 tourists indicate a daily intake of acrylamide <150?ng, well below a toxic dose.     

Metal levels in Trachurus trachurus and Cyprinus carpio in Turkey

Concentrations of five toxic metals were determined in two fish species from Turkish cities during 2010–2011. The obtained lead concentrations for all of the studied Trachurus trachurus (mean 777 μg kg^?1) and Cyprinus carpio (mean 439 μg kg^?1) samples were found to be higher than the maximum level (ML) of 300 μg kg^?1, while Cd concentrations in the same samples were lower than the ML. Mean chromium (501 μg kg^?1), Ni (272 μg kg^?1) and Cu (785 μg kg^?1) concentrations in T. trachurus were significantly higher than in C. carpio (336 μg Cr kg^?1, 229 μg Ni kg^?1 and 394 μg Cu kg^?1), similar to those of Pb and Cd. Measured Pb concentrations in T. trachurus tissues are significantly higher than the ML, while those of Cd in both T. trachurus and C. carpio species were lower than the ML values.     

Oxytetracycline,tetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline in pasteurised cow’s milk commercialised in Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of tetracycline residues in pasteurised cow’s milk using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV/VIS detection to determine the exposure of Brazilian’s population to antibiotic residues. One hundred samples collected from the State of Paraná, Brazil, were analysed. Three of these samples were contaminated at the following concentrations: 121.8 µg·kg^?1 for oxytetracycline, 93.5 µg·kg^?1 for tetracycline and 134.6 µg·kg^?1 for chlortetracycline (61.6 µg·kg^?1) and doxycycline (73.0 µg·kg^?1). The median tetracycline residue concentration found in the samples was 42.3 µg·kg^?1, and the estimated daily intake (EDI) was 0.05 µg Kg^?1 bw day^?1 in Brazil. These results demonstrate that the occurrence of tetracycline in Brazilian milk was low (3%) and only for 2% above the maximum residue limit, so the risk to the population from the presence of these residues in milk was low (<1% of the acceptable daily intake).     

Proximate,Fatty Acid and Sterol Compositions of Aboriginal Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) Seeds from Bolivia

Oil, protein, ash, carbohydrate, iodine value, fatty acid and sterol compositions were studied in 46 aboriginal Arachis hypogaea cultivars originating from Bolivia. The oil and protein contents varied between 440 and 547 g kg^-1 and 242 and 547 g kg^-1, respectively. Results showed a lower protein content in the variety hypogaea (264·4 g kg^-1) than in the varieties fastigiata (299·7 g kg^-1) and peruviana (294 g kg^-1). The carbohydrate content ranged between 86 and 216 g kg^-1. The principal fatty acids were oleic (358–536 g kg^-1) and linoleic (250–462 g kg^-1). The variety hypogaea exhibited higher concentrations of oleic acid (449·0 g kg^-1). The sterol composition showed higher concentration of β-sitosterol (554–632 g kg^-1) following by campesterol (139–180 g kg^-1), stigmasterol (82–130 g kg^-1) and Δ⁵-avenasterol (86–138 g kg^-1). © 1997 SCI.     

Simultaneous determination of type A,B and D trichothecenes and their occurrence in cereals and cereal products

A sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of type A, B and D trichothecenes in cereals is presented. The limits of detection ranged between 0.1 and 0.7 µg kg^?1 for all analytes. The method was applied to 289 representatively drawn samples of wheat, rye and oat products. Ninety-four percent of the wheat samples (n = 130), 95% of the rye samples (n = 61) and 100% of the oat samples (n = 98) were contaminated with the type A trichothecenes T-2 and HT-2 toxin. Median levels of T-2/HT-2 (sum of the toxins) were 0.91, 0.53 and 8.2 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (24 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (3.1 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (85 µg kg^?1). All wheat and rye samples and 75% of the oat samples were contaminated with the type B trichothecene deoxynivalenol. Median levels of this toxin were 23, 15 and 0.53 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (1160 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (288 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (55 µg kg^?1). The type B trichothecene nivalenol was detected in 67% of the wheat samples, in 3% of the rye samples and in 24% of the oat samples with highest levels in wheat bran (96 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (1.8 µg kg^?1) and in oat flakes (17 µg kg^?1), respectively. Levels of other type A and B trichothecenes played a minor role, although the rates of contamination were often high. Neither macrocyclic type D trichothecenes (satratoxin G and H, verrucarin A, roridin A) nor diacetylverrucarol and verrucarol (type A trichothecenes), were detected in any of the samples.