Occurrences of Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone and some of their masked forms in selected cereals from Southwest Nigeria

The study determined the occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and their metabolites in staple cereals from Southwest Nigeria. Sixty composite samples maize, sorghum millet were evaluated for DON, ZEN masked forms; 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3Ac-DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15Ac-DON), ?-zearalenone (?-ZEL) ?-zearalenone (?-ZEL). Deoxynivalenol did not co-occur with contrast to previous reports. Only 3Ac-DON occurred few maize within range < LOQ-24 ?g/kg one sample at a concentration 16 ?g/kg. levels lower than maximum limit 100 set by European Union ZEN. However, two exceeded this 152 396 percentage incidence ?-ZEL was 100% while ?-ZEL 95% samples. Regardless low these mycotoxins, particularly high rates are concern as there could be synergistic or additive effects its forms.