Destruction of Aflatoxins in Grain Using Gaseous Ozone

Mycotoxins are compounds produced by certain species of fungi which infect grains such as corn and peanuts. Among the most common and most toxic of these are the aflatoxins (AF), with AFB1 and AFG1 recognized as potent carcinogens in addition to their other negative effects. Contamination results in large economic losses at all levels of food production. Few effective means of treating contaminated grain exist. Ammoniation or bisulfite oxidation are the most common methods, however neither has FDA approval. Ozone treatment has shown some promise for safe and effective aflatoxin destruction, but its practical use has been limited by available methods of production and delivery. Lynntech, Inc. has developed a unique electrochemical method of producing gaseous ozone in a more concentrated and active form than that available from corona discharge technology, and has previously demonstrated its efficacy against microbial and chemical agents. In conjunction with toxicology and grain experts at Texas A&M University and the USDA, we propose to apply this methodology to the destruction of aflatoxins in grain by employing relatively simple modifications to current grain handling techniques.