AFLATOXIN INTAKE FROM MAIZE-BASED DIETS IN A RURAL-POPULATION IN SOUTHERN INDIA

The aflatoxin intake through the consumption of maize was assessed in 12 households in a rural population in southern India. This was based on the measurement of aflatoxin levels in cooked maize and the quantit y of consumption of the maize. The average aflatoxin intakes in nine o ut of 12 household ranged from 0.33 to 1.5 mu g day(-1). Individual in takes varied from 0.08 to 2.22 mu g day(-1). When assessed on a body w eight basis, aflatoxin intakes in the younger age groups were observed to be higher. The average intakes in different age groups 1-5, 5-12, 12-18 and above 18 years were observed to be 47, 35, 33 and 22 ng kg(- 1) body weight day(-1), respectively. Aflatoxin intakes calculated fro m aflatoxin levels in maize before cooking tended to be higher by 36% when compared with intakes calculated from cooked maize. This signific ant difference (P < 0.001) was attributed to the effect of cooking on aflatoxin levels in maize.