Fumonisin B1

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most prevalent of a family of mycotoxins produced by a common mould associated with maize. Human exposure as demonstrated by the occurrence of FB1 in maize intended for human consumption is common worldwide. There are considerable differences in the extent of human exposure between different maize-growing regions. This is most evident when comparing fully developed and developing countries. Although FB1 can occur in maize products in the USA, Canada and western Europe, human consumption of those products is modest. In parts of Africa, South-Central America and Asia, some populations consume a high percentage of their calories as maize meal where FB1 contamination may be high FB1 is carcinogenic in mice and rats and induces fatal diseases in pigs and horses at levels of exposure that humans encounter. The task group responsible for this report was not in a position to perform a quantitative estimation of the human health risks, but considered that such an estimation is urgently needed. The task group makes the following recommendations for the protection of human health: limits for human dietary exposure should be established. Special consideration should be given to populations consuming a high percentage of their calories as maize meal; measures should be taken to limit fumonisin exposure and maize contamination; early awareness of potential food contamination should be increased by improving communication between veterinarians and public health officials on outbreaks of fungal poisonings in domestic animals; and, a robust, low-cost and simple screening method for the detection of fumonisin contamination in maize should be developed.World Health Organisation Staff is the author of 'Fumonisin B1 ', published 2000 under ISBN 9789241572194 and ISBN 9241572191.