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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Risk management for mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize

L. K. Bricknell A B D , B. J. Blaney C and J. Ng A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A EnTox – National Research Centre for Environmental Toxology, the University of Queensland,39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia.

B Present address: Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Health, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton, Qld 4702, Australia.

C Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Locked Mail Bag 4, Moorooka, Qld 4105, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: l.bricknell@cqu.edu.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(3) 342-350 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06096
Submitted: 15 March 2006  Accepted: 13 March 2007   Published: 4 February 2008

Abstract

Recent incidents of mycotoxin contamination (particularly aflatoxins and fumonisins) have demonstrated a need for an industry-wide management system to ensure Australian maize meets the requirements of all domestic users and export markets. Results of recent surveys are presented, demonstrating overall good conformity with nationally accepted industry marketing standards but with occasional samples exceeding these levels. This paper describes mycotoxin-related hazards inherent in the Australian maize production system and a methodology combining good agricultural practices and the hazard analysis critical control point framework to manage risk.


Acknowledgements

We thank Stephen Were, Warwick Turner, Dennis Webber, Kerrin Morrissy and Madeleine Modina; the project team and steering group – Wayne Bryden, Lester Burgess, Yash Chauhan, Glen Fox, Neil Gannon, Matthew George, John Kopinski, David Lobwein, Ian Martin, Nick Maynard, Rod McNab, Sally-ann Murray, RCN Rachaputi, Robin Reid, Malcolm Ryley, Graeme Smith, Brett Summerell, Mike Taverner, Andrew Watson, Stephen Wilson, Stephen Were, Graeme Wright and Teresa Miklaszewicz. Thanks must also go to the growers, agents, seed companies and millers who provided samples for analysis. The Grains Research and Development Agency provided financial support.


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