Abstract

Fumonisins are the mycotoxin that is produced by Fusarium species which are found incereals and cereal-based foods products. This toxin causes esophageal cancer inhumans, leucoencephalomalasia in horses and pulmonary edema in swine, other hostsinclude cattle, chicken and other pets. In this study, 42 samples of wheat flour at bakeries and confectioneries were collected in Qaemshahr during spring in 2011. Data were analyzed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for total fumonisin.Out of 21 wheat bakery samples, 2 (9.5%) (Mean: 0.30) were contaminated with total fumonisin. Among 21 samples of wheat flour at confectioneries, 1 (4.8%) (Mean: 0.29) was contaminated with total fumonisin. There was a significant relationship between total fumonisin contamination level and the type of wheat flour, and the months applying statistical test.

Key words: Fusarium, fumonisin, wheat flour, bakery, confectionery