MINIMIZING THE ADVERSE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF MYCOTOXINS AND PLANT TOXINS IN FOODS

Determine the involvement of fumonisins in neural tube defects in areas where corn consumption is high. Develop methodology to quantitatively detect toxins in plant derived foods and determine the ability of processing methods to reduce toxins in foods and feeds. Develop mechanism¿based bioassays for assessing the efficacy of processing methods to reduce toxicity of deoxynivalenol and other toxins in contaminated foods. Develop improved biomarkers for fumonisin exposure in plants, animals and humans.