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<OL> <LI> Development of highly-sensitive methods for detection of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1,
deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A, patulin, and zearalenone) in foods
consumed by very young children. <LI> Utilize sensitive, analytical methods for detection
of aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A, patulin, and zearalenone
in high-value foods for very young children where the mycotoxins have traditionally
been found only in trace amounts.
Approach: Method development will focus on the influence and impact that the product matrix has
on the isolation and detection of the mycotoxin of interest. Initial assays will involve detection by HPLC, with confirmation by LC-MS. In countries where mycotoxins have been monitored in baby food, the methods used frequently involved immunoaffinity
columns cleanup and HPLC or MS quantitation. Methods developed in this project will be compared with previously validated methods.
<P> All of the major baby food producers
sell products in three stages. Stage-one is for children up to six months of age, stage-two is for children from six to nine months, and stage-three is for children
nine months and older. There will be discussions with baby food manufacturers about newly developed matrices.
<P>It is anticipated future studies will include cereal-based
baby foods produced from different agricultural practices, such as organic.
Initially, detection methods will be validated by spiking samples with the individual
mycotoxins and the percent recovery will be determined.