Decontamination of aflatoxin-contaminated maize by dehulling

Dehulling of maize grains as an aflatoxin decontamination method was investigated. Sixty kilograms of maize (whose average moisture content was 110 g kg−1) were thoroughly mixed and divided into two samples. The kernel moisture content of one sample was adjusted to 200 g kg−1 while the other (control) was left at 110 g kg−1. The two samples were kept at ambient temperature (25–30 °C) for 21 days. Twenty sub-samples, ten from each, were further divided into two so that one lot was dehulled while the other was not dehulled. These sub-samples were then milled to pass through a 1 mm screen and the meal was evaluated for aflatoxin contamination. It was found that there was a 92% decrease in aflatoxin levels in dehulled maize meal compared with undehulled maize meal. We therefore suggest that dehulling the grain can be used to reduce aflatoxin levels in maize. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

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