Prevalence of Mycotoxins in Late-Season Corn Ear Molds in North Dakota

Widespread corn ear mold development in North Dakota and in other states was associated with cool, wet weather after physiological maturity in 2009. In response to concerns about possible grain mold and mycotoxin contamination in North Dakota, a survey of corn ear diseases was conducted in 2009 prior to harvest. Corn ears were collected from 94 field locations from 24 counties and were examined macroscopically and microscopically for mold identification. Mycotoxin testing was done with a screen for 17 tricothecenes using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. Cladosporium was the most commonly identified fungus with some Fusarium contaminated samples being observed. Other fungi identified include Alternaria, Penicillium, Aureobsidium, Rhizopus, Stemphylium and an unidentified non-pigmented fungus. Five mycotoxins were identified in 25 out of the 94 samples;deoxynivalenol, T-2, HT-2, zearalenone and nivalenol. Of the mycotoxin-positive samples, 88% had less than 2 ppm of any mycotoxin. Despite the growing season’s weather being favorable for corn ear mold development late in the season, observed mycotoxin levels were surprisingly low and most grain was deemed safe for use in food and feed channels. Surveys were planned in subsequent years, but late season molds did not develop in the 2010-2015 growing seasons.

Vegetable and Fruit Consumption among Chinese Adults and Associated Factors： A Nationally Representative Study of 170,847 Adults

Objective This study examined vegetable and fruit(VF) consumption rate and its associated factors among Chinese adults.Methods Nationally representative data from the 2013 China Chronic Disease Surveillance survey were used. Dietary intake data, including VF consumption during the last 12 months, were collected. All analyses were weighted to obtain nationally representative estimates. Associations between VF consumption and other factors(e.g., meal frequency and physical activity) were examined through logistic regression analysis.Results The average fruit consumption was 102.3 g/day(95% CI: 97.0‐107.6) and the average vegetable consumption was 350.6 g/day(95% CI: 339.3‐361.8). Over half(53.2%, 95% CI: 50.9‐55.4) of Chinese adults met the VF consumption of 400 g/day recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO). Rural residents had a higher prevalence of low VF consumption rate than urban residents[49.20%(95% CI: 46.2%‐52.2%) vs. 44.0%(95% CI: 41.7%‐46.3%) P < 0.01]. Old age(OR = 1.01, 95% CI:1.00‐1.01), low educational level, low income, minority ethnicity(OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.74),underweight(OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.33), single marital status(OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.33), low health literacy, irregular breakfast(OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.38) or lunch(OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26‐1.99)habits, and no leisure‐time physical activity were associated with low VF consumption.Conclusion Only half of Chinese adults met the VF consumption recommended by the WHO. Low socio‐economic status, irregular diet, and poor health literacy were likely associated with low VF consumption. National efforts and programs are needed to promote VF consumption.