Survey for Zearalenone, Aflatoxin, and Ochratoxin in U.S. Grain Sorghum from 1975 and 1976 Crops

Abstract Grain sorghum samples (197) from 10 States harvested in 1975 and 1976 were analyzed for zearalenone, aflatoxin, and ochratoxin by the Eppley procedure. Zearalenone was detected in 56 samples (28%) at levels of 200–6900 ng/g (the detection limit was 100–200 ng/g). Zearalenone identity was confirmed in representative samples by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy of the trimethylsilyl derivatives. No ochratoxin was detected in any sample (the detection limit was about 50 ng/g). Aflatoxin was detected in 4 samples at levels of 54, 6, 10, and 7 ng total aflatoxin/g (the detection limit was ca 3 ng/g). The identity of aflatoxin B1 in the samples was confirmed by formation of the water adduct on thin layer chromatographic plates.