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Detection of mycotoxins in foodstuffs by use of chick embryos

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Abstract

A method of extracting fungal cultures with aqueous methanol and hexane is described. The extract from 100 grams of foodstuff, or pure fungal cultures on cereals (maize, wheat and rye), was inoculated into groups of twenty fertile hens eggs, both into the air sac and into the yolk, which were then incubated through to hatch at twenty-two days. The results show good sensitivity to aflatoxin and sporidesmin. The fungal cultures are recorded as toxic (below 50% hatch) non toxic (above 68% hatch) and doubtful. Five isolates ofAspergillus repens isolated from one batch of mouldy hay gave a high (43%) incidence of deformed embryos. This method is suggested as a general biological test for toxicity in foodstuffs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Equine Research Station of the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, England

    Marytavy Archer B.Sc., D.I.C.

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  1. Marytavy Archer B.Sc., D.I.C.
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Archer, M. Detection of mycotoxins in foodstuffs by use of chick embryos. Mycopathologia et Mycologia Applicata 54, 453–467 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02050051

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02050051

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