SVIBOR - Project code: 4-07-137

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Strossmayerov trg 4, HR - 10000 ZAGREB
tel.: +385 1 459 44 44, fax: +385 1 459 44 69
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Project code: 4-07-137


Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds in the Territory of the Republic of Croatia


Main researcher: DURAKOVIĆ, SENADIN (10973)


Assistants
Type of research: applied
Duration from: 05/01/91. to 04/01/96.
Papers on project (total): 32
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 10
Institution name: Prehrambeno-biotehnološki fakultet, Zagreb (58)
Department/Institute: Department of Biochemical engineering
Address: Pierottijeva 6
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0) 01 / 440-422
Phone: 385 (0) 01 / 440-291
Summary: Molds frequently occur in feeds and foods. Many isolates of these microorganisms are toxigenic, and thus 1. impair the health of domestic animals, 2. cause residues in organs and meat due to carry over, 3. synthesize mycotoxins in moldy meat products, and 4. may be hazardous for moldy-fermented foods. Our former investigations included: 1. occurence and characterization of specific toxins, 2. examination of factors that contribute to the elaboration of the toxic substances, and 3. description of the effects of particular fungal metabolites on microbes and animals.A survey of mycotoxin contamination was carried out on a total of about 256 food and feed samples. The results showed that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OT-A) and patulin were detected in some samples. Of 11 samples of cereals, two samples contained 0.9 to 2.1 ppb of AFB1 and 0.4 to 1.3 ppb of OT-A. Of the 59 samples of fruit products, three samples contained 0.8 to 3.5 ppb of patulin. Of the 156 samples of meat products, 2.8 ppb of AFB1 was detected from one sample.Total number of fungi isolated, and identification of fungi isolated were carried out by the official routine procedure. The four groups of fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Imperfect fungi and Yeasts were found simultaneously in the 6 of 32 types food and feed samples. Two species of mycotoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and A.ochraceus were found simultaneously in the 4 of 32 food and feed types.

Keywords: mycotoxins, toxic fungal metabolites, aflatoxins, ochratoxins, patulin, carcinogens

Research goals: Our appreciation of the significance of mycotoxins to food safety and human health continues to evolve and icrease.While there is no direct evidence, in the form of controlled feeding experiments for the involvement of mycotoxins in foodborne human disease, the indirect evidence is strong and continues to accumulate.In light of the numerous animal species found to be susceptible to the various effects of mycotoxins, it is difficult to belive that man would not be similarly affected.Regional studies of acute and chronic disease patterns in humans, and the association of these with mycotoxin contamination of diets and food stuffs in the same regions, are further evidence of the probable involvement of mycotoxins in foodborne human disease.This is particularly significant when symptoms, and toxin levels in body fluids and tissues, of human victims are found to be similar to those observed in test animals in controlled feeding experiments. Therefore, it is of at most importance that every attempt be made to keep mycotoxins out of the food and feed supply.Not only must food-producing animals be protected from mycotoxins to maintain production, but also to prevent the occurence of mycotoxin residues in human foods or animal origin. Foods and commodities must be stored under conditions which prevent mold growth on the farm, in storage facilities, in retail outlets and in homes.Thus, protection of the human food suply from contamination which mycotoxins must occur along the entire food chain, from the point of production on through to the consumers own refrigerator and kitchen.

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  2. Name of institution: Medicinski fakultet-Klinički Bolnički Centar
    Type of institution: Economical/Production
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  3. Name of institution: Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  4. Name of institution: Medicinski fakultet-Klinički Bolnički Centar
    Type of institution: Economical/Production
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS


  1. Name: Prehrambena mikrobiologija(ured.V.Loknar) Medicinska naklada,Zagreb,1991.
    Type of achievement: Teaching aids and educatio
    Authors: Senadin Duraković

  2. Name: Prehrambena mikrobiologija(ured.V.Loknar) Medicinska naklada,Zagreb,1991. Knjiga - monografija
    Type of achievement: Teaching aids and educatio
    Authors: Senadin Duuraković
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