Toxin shows up in U.S. corn

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Published: November 7, 2002

CHICAGO, Illinois – Aflatoxin, a cancer-causing toxin, has turned up in

the U.S. Midwest corn crop in the worst outbreak since the drought of

1988, crop specialists say.

The toxin, found in mouldy corn, can cause cancer in humans if consumed

at high enough levels and can be deadly to young animals if they eat

large amounts.

It is usually found in hot southern areas. But this year’s heat wave

plagued the heart of the corn belt in July and August. The hardest hit

states are Illinois and Nebraska.

Of 148 corn samples taken by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as

of Nov. 4, 20 had tested above the maximum human tolerance level of 20

parts per billion but none were over the maximum tolerance for

livestock feed of 300 parts per billion.

“The aflatoxin presents a marketing problem at this point … trying to

make sure that the grain is used for suitable purposes,” said Jeff

Squibb, of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

About the author

Chris Stebbins

Reuters News Agency

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