A rapid LC-MS/MS method for the determination of moniliformin and occurrence of this mycotoxin in maize products from the Bavarian market

Abstract

A simple LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of moniliformin (MON) in maize and applied for the analysis of samples within the official food surveillance. The homogenized samples were extracted with acetonitrile/water 50/50 (v/v) which proved to have the highest extraction efficiency compared to other tested solvents. The centrifuged extracts were diluted with acetonitrile and were measured after chromatographic separation by HILIC (hydrophobic interaction liquid chromatography)-HPLC without any cleanup (dilute and shoot approach). The LOD and LOQ achieved by this procedure were 2.6 and 8.8 μg/kg, respectively. Thirty-nine samples of popcorn, maize meal, and semolina were collected in 2014 and 2015 at mills, cinemas, wholesale, and retail from the Bavarian market (Germany). The rate of contamination with MON was very high (97%) with levels ranging between the LOD and 847 μg/kg. The mean level was 118 μg/kg and the median, 39 μg/kg. The maximum value was detected in maize meal. The results are discussed with respect to possible health implications for the consumer.

LC-MS/MS and LC-UV Determination of Moniliformin by Adding Lanthanide Ions to the Mobile Phase

“…At present, no specific maximum levels for MON in food and feed have been set by EU legislation. MON was detected worldwide in several cereal crops at different concentration levels with values up to 2606 µg kg −1 in maize and 326 µg kg −1 in wheat produced, respectively, in Italy and in the Netherlands being reported [1,6,7,8,9,10,11]. However, EFSA recommended the collection of more occurrence data on MON in foods and feeds to enable a comprehensive risk assessment for humans, and for farm and companion animals [5].…”

Occurrence of moniliformin in cereals

“…Seven of 25 examined pasta samples contained MON at levels around 0.010 mg/kg. MON occurred in eight out of 23 maize products at the levels of 0.012-0.207 mg/kg Barthel et al (2018). analyzed 39 samples of popcorn maize kernels (n=21), maize meal (n=14) and semolina (n=4) from the Bavarian marketBernhoft et al, 2010).…”