Mycotoxins in Rice Correlate with Other Contaminants? A Pilot Study of the Portuguese Scenario and Human Risk Assessment

Rice is the second most important cereal crop and is vital for the diet of billions of people. However, its consumption can increase human exposure to chemical contaminants, namely mycotoxins and metalloids. Our goal was to evaluate the occurrence and human exposure of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEN), and inorganic arsenic (InAs) in 36 rice samples produced and commercialized in Portugal and evaluate their correlation. The analysis of mycotoxins involved ELISA, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.8, 1 and 1.75 mu g kg(-1) for OTA, AFB1, and ZEN, respectively. InAs analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; LOD = 3.3 mu g kg(-1)). No sample showed contamination by OTA. AFB1 was present in 2 (4.8%) samples (1.96 and 2.20 mu g kg(-1)), doubling the European maximum permitted level (MPL). Concerning ZEN, 88.89% of the rice samples presented levels above the LOD up to 14.25 mu g kg(-1) (average of 2.75 mu g kg(-1)). Regarding InAs, every sample presented concentration values above the LOD up to 100.0 mu g kg(-1) (average of 35.3 mu g kg(-1)), although none surpassed the MPL (200 mu g kg(-1)). No correlation was observed between mycotoxins and InAs contamination. As for human exposure, only AFB1 surpassed the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake. Children were recognized as the most susceptible group.

Automated summary

Rice is a crucial staple crop for billions of people, but its consumption can lead to exposure to chemical contaminants such as mycotoxins and metalloids. This study evaluated the presence and human exposure to AFB1, OTA, ZEN, and InAs in Portuguese rice samples. AFB1 was found in 4.8% of the samples, exceeding the European MPL, while ZEN was present in 88.89% of the samples. InAs was detected in all samples, but none exceeded the MPL. There was no correlation between mycotoxin and InAs contamination. AFB1 exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake, with children being the most vulnerable group.