Natural co-occurrence of multi-mycotoxins in unprocessed wheat grains from China

This study aimed at assessing the occurrence of twelve mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives, 3- and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON and 15-ADON), nivalenol (NIV), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins (FB1, FB(2 )and FB3) and aflatoxins (AFB(1), AFB(2), AFG(1) and AFG(2)) in 338 unprocessed wheat samples harvested in 2018 from China by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLCMS/MS). DON was found to be the most predominant and abundant mycotoxins followed by 3-ADON, 15-ADON, NIV, FB1, ZEN, FB3, FB2, AFB(1), AFB(2), AFG(2) and AFG(1). Samples from Hubei and Anhui provinces that situated the Yangtze River recorded a higher positive rate for Fusarium mycotoxins. The positive rate and average concentration of fumonisins in wheat samples are relatively low while the co-occurrence of fumonisins as well as DONs and its derivatives 3-ADON and 15-ADON, ZEN and/or NIV was found to be 37.6%. Moreover, compared with wheat samples in 2017, the combined levels of DON and its derivatives, 3-ADON and 15-ADON in wheat samples harvested in the year of 2018 is higher with the incidence of co-occurrence of DON + 3-ADON + 15-ADON significantly raised which may due to the increased precipitation weather conditions. These findings suggest the necessity of monitoring contamination of Fusarium mycotoxins and further raise concerns as to DON + 3ADON + 15-ADON co-occurrence in wheat in China in order to protect consumers' health from the toxins exposure risks.

Automated summary

The study assessed the occurrence of twelve mycotoxins in wheat samples harvested in China in 2018. DON was found to be the most predominant mycotoxin, followed by other mycotoxins. Samples from provinces along the Yangtze River had a higher positive rate for Fusarium mycotoxins. The co-occurrence of fumonisins, DONs and its derivatives, ZEN, and/or NIV was found to be 37.6%, with higher levels of DON and its derivatives in wheat samples in 2018 compared to 2017.