Investigation of the deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin a levels by high-performance liquid chromatography of cereals sold in the markets in Türkiye

The current research was conducted to determine the deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) levels of 24 pieces of wheat flour, 24 pieces of rice, 24 pieces of corn flour, and 24 pieces of whole wheat flour obtained from the markets in Istanbul by HPLC. DON was detected in 4 of the 96 grain cereal samples at levels between 0.94 and 1.16 µg/kg (LOQ, 0.92 µg/kg). Besides, from the analyzed samples, DON was detected in 3 pieces of ashura wheat, 2 pieces of rice, and 5 pieces of corn flour between LOD and LOQ. The highest DON level was found in the corn flour sample (1.16 µg/kg), which was sold unpacked. OTA was detected in 11 of the samples (0.87-6.97 µg/kg) consisting of 3 corn flours (1.51-2.23 µg/kg) and 8 whole wheat flours (0.87-6.97 µg/kg). The highest OTA level was found in the packaged whole wheat flour sample (6.97 µg/kg) bought from the market. Since DON and OTA exposure can be observed frequently in cereals and may increase to possible risky levels, further work should be done to determine the precautions necessary to minimize the risks of contamination.