| Abstract: | Peanut, sorghum and maize samples were collected from the wholesale market in Mysore, India, over a period of one year (October 1984 to September 1985). The samples were analysed for the natural occurrence of T-2 toxin (T-2), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and zearalenone by thin-layer chromatography, dermal toxicity test and gas chromatography. Of the total number of peanut samples analysed, 6.9% were positive for the toxic trichothecene(s) (T-2, up to 38.89 mg kg?1; DAS, up to 2.03 mg kg?1); 4.8% of total sorghum samples analysed contained T-2 up to 15 mg kg?1. Zearalenone was not found in any of the samples tested, and no toxins were detected in any of the maize samples. Samples marketed during winter and summer periods were contaminated with the toxins. All the toxin-positive samples except one peanut sample were found in produce stored for more than a week. |
