Detection of Aflatoxin in Zea mays L. from Indian Markets by Competitive ELISA

Aflatoxins are a family of related bisfuranocoumarin compounds produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. It has been reported that out of the known strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus, only about one-half produce toxins. In present study the occurrence of total aflatoxin contamination in Indian maize samples collected from local market of Lucknow city were investigated by competitive ELISA technique. The result showed that the fungal count ranges from 1.0 × 102 to 3.6 × 106 cfu/gm. However; no significant correlation could be established within fungal count and the aflatoxin level. Total aflatoxin content ranges from 9.0 to 250 ppb. However 7 samples do not have any trace of total aflatoxin level.