免疫亲和柱净化-柱后光化学衍生-高效液相色谱法同时检测粮谷中的黄曲霉毒素、玉米赤霉烯酮和赭曲霉毒素A

建立了同时检测粮谷中黄曲霉毒素(B1、B2、G1和G2)、玉米赤霉烯酮和赭曲霉毒素A的免疫亲和柱净化-柱后光化学衍生-高效液相色谱方法。样品经过甲醇-水(体积比为80∶20)提取,通过免疫亲和柱富集和净化,采用Waters Nova-Pak色谱柱(3.9 mm i.d.×150 mm,4 μm),以甲醇、乙腈和1%的磷酸溶液为流动相,梯度洗脱,柱后光化学衍生、改变波长荧光检测。黄曲霉毒素(B1、B2、G1和G2)、玉米赤霉烯酮和赭曲霉毒素A检出限分别为0.24,4.0和0.5 μg/kg,标准曲线的线性范围分别为0.24~6.0,4.0~100.0和0.5~40.0 μg/L;在小麦、玉米、黑麦样品中,平均加标回收率为70.8% ~94.0%,相对标准偏差为2.79% ~9.38%。     

Simultaneous determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone in grains by new immunoaffinity column/liquid chromatography

The simultaneous determination of mycotoxins was performed in 3 steps: extraction, cleanup, and detection. For extraction, a mixture of acetonitrile-water (60 + 40, v/v) was proved appropriate. For cleanup, a new Afla-Ochra-Zea immunoaffinity column was used. After derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid, the mycotoxins aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) were determined simultaneously by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The detection limits in different matrixes after cleanup with the new immunoaffinity column were very low: aflatoxins, 0.002-0.7 microg/kg; OTA, 0.07-0.25 microg/kg; ZEA, 1-3 microg/kg. The limits of determination were: aflatoxins, 0.25 microg/kg; OTA, 0.5 microg/kg; ZEA, 5 microg/kg. The recovery rates for aflatoxins, OTA, and ZEA for rye and rice were between 86 and 93% when a 0.5 g sample matter per immunoaffinity column was used.     

Preparation and certification of zearalenone mass concentration of two low-level maize reference materials

The contamination of maize by fungi, especially by Fusarium species, is a worldwide problem. One of the most prevalent Fusarium mycotoxins frequently found on European maize is zearalenone (ZON), which has been implicated in a range of human and animal diseases. It shows remarkable estrogenic properties and can cause severe infertility problems in farm animals. Currently, 9 countries have set maximum tolerable levels for ZON in food, ranging from 0 to 1000 microg/kg. This paper describes the preparation of 2 maize reference materials (BCR-716 very low level ZON and BCR-717 low level ZON) and the certification of their individual ZON contents (mass concentration and mass fraction). Uncertainties were calculated in compliance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement and include uncertainties that are due to possible inhomogeneity and instability. Finally, BCR-716 was certified at a level of <5 microg/kg and BCR-717 at a level of 83 microg/kg with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 9 microg/kg.     

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization-tandem mass spectrometric method for the analysis of mycotoxins subjected to commission regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 In cereals

A sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography/photoionization (APPI) tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for determining nine selected mycotoxins in wheat and maize samples. The analytes were chosen on the basis of the mycotoxins under EU Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, i.e., deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZON), aflatoxins (AFs), and ochratoxin A (OTA), and considering the possibility of a near future regulation for T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Mycotoxins were extracted from samples by means of an one-step solvent extraction without any cleanup. The developed multi-mycotoxin method permits simultaneous, simple, and rapid determination of several co-existing toxins separated in a single chromatographic run, in which AFs, T-2 and HT-2 toxin are acquired in positive, while OTA, DON and ZON in negative mode. Although a moderate signal suppression was noticeable, matrix effect did not give significant differences at p = 0.05. Then, calibration in standard solution were used for quantitation. Based on the EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, the method was in-house validated in terms of ruggedness, specificity, linearity, trueness, within-laboratory reproducibility, decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ). For all the analytes, the regression coefficient r ranged between 0.8752 (DON in wheat) and 0.9465 (ZON in maize), biases related to mean concentrations were from −13% to +12% of the nominal spiking level, and the overall within-laboratory reproducibility ranged 3–16%; finally, CCα values did not differ more than 20% and CCβ not more than 42% from their respective maximum limit. Method quantification limits ranged from 1/20 (AFG1) to 1/4 (AFG2 and OTA) the maximum limit established by European Union in the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 and its subsequent amendments.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins in maize flour samples for rapid amperometric screening and alternative liquid chromatographic method for confirmation

A rapid and simple method for the direct screening of macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins (zearalenone, ZON; alpha-zearalenol, alpha-ZOL; and beta-zearalenol, beta-ZOL) in maize flour samples is proposed. The sample screening method comprises supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and clean-up on Florisil adsorption cartridge of the selected toxic compounds, followed by continuous flow electrochemical detection. Those samples for which the total concentration is close to or above the threshold limit established by legislation (0.200 mg kg(-1)) are subjected to preconcentration on C18 chromatographic material and liquid chromatographic separation for confirmation purposes. This confirmation method allows the determination of ZON, alpha-ZOL and beta-ZOL in the range between 30 and 300 microg kg(-1), with a average relative standard deviation lower than 5.2 in all cases.     

Determination of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in ginseng and other botanical roots by immunoaffinity column cleanup and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and are common contaminants of many important food crops, such as grains, nuts, and spices. Some mycotoxins are found in fruits, vegetables, and botanical roots. These contaminants have a broad range of toxic effects, including carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. The public health concerns related to both acute and chronic effects of mycotoxins in animals have prompted more than 100 countries to establish regulatory limits for some of the well-known mycotoxins, such as the aflatoxins (AFL). Our research focused on method development for 2 of these toxins, AFL and ochratoxin A (OTA), in ginseng and other selected botanical roots. Methods using an immunoaffinity column (IAC) cleanup, liquid chromatographic separation, and fluorescence detection were modified and evaluated. Two types of IAC cleanup were evaluated: IAC for AFL, and IAC for both AFL and OTA. Three derivatization techniques to enhance the fluorescence of the AFL were compared: precolumn trifluoroacetic acid, postcolumn bromination, and postcolumn ultraviolet irradiation. No derivatization was needed for OTA. Results for AFL using the single analyte IAC cleanup and the 3 derivatization techniques were all comparable for ginseng and for other roots such as ginger, licorice, and kava-kava. Recoveries of added AFL for ginseng at levels from 2 to 16 ng/g were about 80%. Using IAC cleanup for both AFL and OTA recoveries of added AFL for ginseng at 4-16 ng/g were about 70%, and for ginger, licorice, and kava-kava were about 60%. Recoveries of added OTA for ginseng, ginger, and echinacea at 4 ng/g were about 55%.     

Development of the custom polymeric materials specific for aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A for application with the ToxiQuant T1 sensor tool

Two polymers were computationally designed with affinity to two of the most abundant mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) for application in the ToxiQuant T1 System. The principle of quantification of AFB1 and OTA using the ToxiQuant T1 instrument comprised of a fluorimetric analysis of mycotoxins adsorbed on the polymer upon exposure to UV light. High affinity of the developed resins allowed the adsorption of both toxins as discrete bands on the top of the cartridge with detection limit as low as 1 ng quantity of mycotoxins.     

Simultaneous extraction of tetracycline, macrolide and sulfonamide antibiotics from agricultural soils using pressurised liquid extraction, followed by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The veterinary antibacterial agents chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC), sulfadiazine (SDZ), erythromycin (ERY) and tylosin (TYL A, B, C and D) were extracted from soil using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Citric acid (pH 4.7) and methanol was used as extraction buffer, followed by tandem-solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up (SAX + HLB) for all compounds. For quantification two slightly different methods were employed using LC-MS-MS with MRM detection. The soil extraction method was validated using a loamy sand soil and a sandy soil, representing two typical Danish agricultural soils. Recoveries were 50-80% for the tetracyclines (CTC and OTC) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) and 60-100% for the macrolides (TYL and ERY). Limits of detection for the soil extraction method (LOD(soil)) were 0.6-5.6 microg kg(-1) soil for CTC and OTC, 0.9-2.9 microg kg(-1) soil for SDZ and 2.4-5.5 microg kg(-1) soil for TYL A and ERY. Furthermore, the method was applied to field samples taken from two agricultural fields fertilised with liquid manure containing CTC and TYL A. These results showed a decline in the content of antibacterial agents throughout the sampling period of 155 days from 10 to 15 microg CTC kg(-1) soil and 20-55 microg TYL A kg(-1) soil to below or near the LOD(soil) listed above. Finally, the method was applied to barley grains harvested from the fields. None of the antibacterial agents were measured in grain samples, but recoveries for spiked grain samples were similar to soil recoveries.     

Comparison of slurry mixing and dry milling in laboratory sample preparation for determination of ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in wheat

The significance of laboratory sample preparation for the determination of two important mycotoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA) and deoxynivalenol (DON), in wheat was investigated by comparing water-slurry mixing and dry-milling procedures. The distribution of OTA and DON in 10 kg samples of naturally contaminated wheat was established by analyzing one hundred 100 g subsamples of each sample. A normal distribution and a good repeatability of DON measurements was observed for both water-slurry mixing (mean 2290 microg/kg, CV 4.6%, median 2290 microg/kg) and dry milling (mean 2310 microg/kg, CV 6.4%, median 2290 microg/kg) procedures. For OTA determinations, reliable results could be obtained only by slurry mixing sample preparation (mean 2.62 microg/kg, CV 4.0%, median 2.62 microg/kg), whereas dry-milling comminution resulted in an inhomogeneous distribution with a high variability (mean 0.83 microg/kg, CV 75.2%, median 0.60 microg/kg) and a positive skewness (2.12). Ad hoc experiments were performed on different size portions of the same sample (10 kg) to assess accuracy and precision of the comminution/homogenization procedures (slurry mixing and dry milling). Very good results were obtained for DON determination with both procedures in terms of accuracy (>98.7% of the "weighted value") and precision (CV <3%). For OTA determination good results were only obtained by slurry mixing (99.4% of the "weighted value," CV 10%), whereas dry milling provided results with low accuracy (43.2% of the "weighted value") and high variability (CV 110%). This study clearly demonstrated that sample preparation by slurry mixing is strictly necessary to obtain reliable laboratory samples for OTA determination in wheat to minimize misclassification of acceptable/rejectable lots, mainly within official control.     

Interlaboratory comparison study for the determination of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol in wheat and zearalenone in maize using different methods

Seventeen laboratories from six different countries, using their usual in-house methods, participated in an interlaboratory comparison test for the determination of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat and zearalenone (ZON) in maize. The toxins generally were extracted from maize and wheat employing mixtures of water, acidified water with an organic solvent or even pure water (for DON). While participants who used enzyme linked immuno sorbent assays (ELISA) for the determination of DON did not perform any clean-up, various techniques were applied for the purification of raw extracts (e.g. liquid/liquid extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE), immuno affinity chromatography (IAC)). For the final separation/quantification step either high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (mostly for ZON), gas chromatography (GC) (for DON) or ELISA were employed by participants. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the state of the art of mycotoxin analysis in cereals and to support a knowledge and experience exchange between the participating laboratories in the field of mycotoxin analysis. For each mycotoxin 5 different sample types were distributed, standard solutions (10.10 μg/ml ZON in methanol, 10.09 μg/ml DON in ethyl acetate), blank materials, spiked samples (75.1 μg/kg and 378.3 μg/kg ZON in maize, 126.2 μg/kg and 2519 μg/kg DON in wheat) and naturally contaminated maize and wheat. Coefficients of variation (CV) between laboratory mean results (outliers excluded) ranged from 6.2 to 27.7% for ZON and from 18.9 to 30.0% for DON. Except for the maize samples spiked at 75.1 μg/kg ZON the overall means (outliers rejected) statistically could not be distinguished from the respective target values. Average recoveries of the reported results ranged from 87.7 to 96.2% for ZON and from 94.2 to 108.5% for DON.     

Method for analysis dried vine fruits contaminated with ochratoxin A

The EU maximum limit of 10 microg kg(-1) of OTA for dried vine fruits has been established since 2002 (European Commission, 2005). The presented work explore the capability of using Fourier infrared spectroscopy attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in dried vine fruits in a range of concentration between 2 and 50 microg kg(-1) OTA. The method developed included a sample pretreatment using a C18 cartridge which was efficient for the isolation of the mycotoxin. The PLS1 analysis of the spectrum of sultanas spiked with different OTA concentrations showed a good correlation between the spectral data and reference concentration for OTA (R(2)=0.85).     

Determination of mycotoxins in human foods

This tutorial review deals with the analytical methods available for the determination of mycotoxins in food commodities. As the secondary metabolites of a range of fungal species, mycotoxins possess diverse chemical structures, presenting analytical chemists with a unique set of challenges in the microg kg(-1) (ppb) range. A number of analytical methods have been applied to mycotoxin analysis. These include widely applicable HPLC methods with UV or fluorimetric detection, which are extensively used both in research and for legal enforcement of food safety legislation and for regulations in international agricultural trade. Other chromatographic methods, such as TLC and GC, are also employed for the determination of mycotoxins, whereas recent advances in analytical instrumentation have highlighted the potential of LC-MS methods, especially for multi-toxin determination and for confirmation purposes. Conventional chromatographic methods are generally time consuming and capital intensive, and hence a range of methods, mostly based on immunological principles, have been developed and commercialised for rapid analysis. These methods include, among others, enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis (ELISA), direct fluorimetry, fluorescence polarization, and various biosensors and strip methods.     

Validation of a screening method for rapid control of macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins in maize flour samples

A procedure for the analytical validation of a rapid supercritical fluid extraction amperometric screening method for controlling macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins in maize flour samples has been developed. The limit established by European legislation (0.2 mg kg⁻¹), in reference to zearalenone (ZON) mycotoxin, was taken as the reference threshold to validate the proposed method. Natural ZON metabolites were also included in this study to characterize the final screening method. The objective was the reliable classification of samples as positive or negative samples. The cut-off level was fixed at a global concentration of mycotoxins of 0.17 mg kg⁻¹. An expanded unreliability zone between 0.16 and 0.23 mg kg⁻¹ characterized the screening method for classifying the samples. A set of 30 samples was used for the final demonstration of the reliability and usefulness of the method.     

Interlaboratory comparison study for the determination of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol in wheat and zearalenone in maize using different methods

Seventeen laboratories from six different countries, using their usual in-house methods, participated in an interlaboratory comparison test for the determination of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat and zearalenone (ZON) in maize. The toxins generally were extracted from maize and wheat employing mixtures of water, acidified water with an organic solvent or even pure water (for DON). While participants who used enzyme linked immuno sorbent assays (ELISA) for the determination of DON did not perform any clean-up, various techniques were applied for the purification of raw extracts (e.g. liquid/liquid extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE), immuno affinity chromatography (IAC)). For the final separation/quantification step either high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (mostly for ZON), gas chromatography (GC) (for DON) or ELISA were employed by participants. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the state of the art of mycotoxin analysis in cereals and to support a knowledge and experience exchange between the participating laboratories in the field of mycotoxin analysis. For each mycotoxin 5 different sample types were distributed, standard solutions (10.10 μg/ml ZON in methanol, 10.09 μg/ml DON in ethyl acetate), blank materials, spiked samples (75.1 μg/kg and 378.3 μg/kg ZON in maize, 126.2 μg/kg and 2519 μg/kg DON in wheat) and naturally contaminated maize and wheat. Coefficients of variation (CV) between laboratory mean results (outliers excluded) ranged from 6.2 to 27.7% for ZON and from 18.9 to 30.0% for DON. Except for the maize samples spiked at 75.1 μg/kg ZON the overall means (outliers rejected) statistically could not be distinguished from the respective target values. Average recoveries of the reported results ranged from 87.7 to 96.2% for ZON and from 94.2 to 108.5% for DON. Received: 2 December 1996 / Revised: 17 February 1997 / Accepted: 18 February 1997     

Simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol,zearalenone, and their major masked metabolites in cereal-based food by LC–MS–MS

Cereals and cereal-based food have often been found to be contaminated with the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON), after infection of the grain with the pathogenic fungus Fusarium. Both the pathogen and the infected plants can chemically modify DON and ZON, including acetylation, glucosidation, and sulfation. Analytical strategies for detection and quantification of DON and ZON are well known and established but often fail to recognize the respective metabolites, which are, therefore, also referred to as “masked” mycotoxins. However, several masked forms are also known to be harmful to mammals. Failure to detect these could lead to significant underestimation of the toxic potential of a particular sample. To monitor the levels of DON and ZON metabolites in cereals and cereal-based food, we have developed a LC–MS–MS method capable of simultaneous determination of DON, ZON, and eight of their masked metabolites, namely deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G), 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3ADON), zearalenone-4-glucoside (Z4G), α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), α-zearalenol-4-glucoside (α-ZG), β-zearalenol-4-glucoside (β-ZG), and zearalenone-4-sulfate (Z4S). The suitability of several cleanup strategies including C₁₈-SPE, primary and secondary amines (PSA), MycoSep push-through columns, and immunoaffinity columns was evaluated. The final method used no sample cleanup and was successfully validated for four cereal-based food matrices, namely cornflour, porridge, beer, and pasta, showing good recoveries and precision for all analytes.     

Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 and ochratoxin A in ginseng and ginger by multitoxin immunoaffinity column cleanup and liquid chromatographic quantitation: collaborative study

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a method using multitoxin immunoaffinity column cleanup with liquid chromatography (LC) for determination of aflatoxins (AF; sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in powdered ginseng and ginger have been established in a collaborative study involving 13 laboratories from 7 countries. Blind duplicate samples of blank, spiked (AF and OTA added) at levels ranging from 0.25 to 16.0 microg/kg for AF and 0.25 to 8.0 microg/kg for OTA were analyzed. A naturally contaminated powdered ginger sample was also included. Test samples were extracted with methanol and 0.5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (700 + 300, v/v). The extract was centrifuged, diluted with phosphate buffer (PB), filtered, and applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for AF and OTA. After washing the column with water, the toxins were eluted from the column with methanol, and quantified by high-performance LC with fluorescence detection. Average recoveries of AF from ginseng and ginger ranged from 70 to 87% (at spiking levels ranging from 2 to 16 microg/kg), and of OTA, from 86 to 113% (at spiking levels ranging from 1 to 8 microg/kg). Relative standard deviations for within-laboratory repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 2.6 to 8.3% for AF, and from 2.5 to 10.7% for OTA. Relative standard deviations for between-laboratory reproducibility (RSDR) ranged from 5.7 to 28.6% for AF, and from 5.5 to 10.7% for OTA. HorRat values were < or = 2 for the multi-analytes in the 2 matrixes.     

The state-of-the-art in the analysis of estrogenic mycotoxins in cereals

The increasing public awareness of chemicals that mimic or otherwise interfere with the activity of natural hormones - so-called endocrine disrupters - has also led to greater study of mycotoxins with estrogenic potential. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the topic of estrogenic mycotoxins and to discuss the state-of-the-art in the analysis of these substances in cereals, with special emphasis on zearalenone (ZON) as its most relevant representative. Because the use of immunoaffinity columns (IAC) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and immunoassays are currently the most frequently used methods for the determination of ZON and its metabolites, these techniques are discussed in more detail. Recent papers, which have revealed the great potential of HPLC-MS(MS) for the simultaneous detection and identification of several estrogenic mycotoxins, are discussed. The performances of the state-of-the-art methods are finally compared by study of the results obtained in recent international intercomparison studies. On the one hand, these studies revealed the good performance of both chromatographic and antibody-based methods. On the other hand, the need for better means of external quality assurance measures, especially the availability of certified reference materials and certified standards, has clearly been demonstrated.     

Application of liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry for the identification and characterisation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and sulfophenyl carboxylates in sludge-amended soils

A novel procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and their major metabolites, sulfophenyl carboxylates (SPC), in sludge-amended soil. After pressurised liquid extraction with methanol/water (90:10) and a clean-up on C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges, final analysis was done by ion-pair liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). With this method, SPC with 5-13 carbon atoms in the aliphatic side chain were identified for the first time in agricultural soils treated with sewage sludge. Quantification of LAS and SPC in soil from 10 field sites, which differed in the history of sludge application, gave total concentrations of 120-2840 microg kg(-1) for LAS and of 4-220 microg kg(-1) for SPC. The data provided evidence for rapid biodegradation of LAS in the initial phase after sludge amendment with a transitory build-up of high concentrations of, mainly, short-chain SPC. Trace amounts of residual LAS and SPC were detected in soils having received the last sludge treatment 10 days to 4 years prior to sampling.     

Natural occurrence of ochratoxin A in dried figs

Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried figs was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection after extraction with methanol and orthophosphoric acid and clean up by an immunoaffinity column. The limit of detection for OTA was 0.12 microg kg(-1). One hundred and fifteen samples were taken during the drying stage from 7 different districts in the Aegean Region in 2003 and 2004. Fifty-five (47.2%) of the 115 samples were found to contain detectable levels of ochratoxin A, ranging from 0.12 to 15.31 microg kg(-1). However, the OTA level for a majority of the samples was low, with only 4 samples containing OTA exceeding 1 microg kg(-1). The calculated overall median for the OTA level was below the limit of detection and the overall mean was estimated as 0.52 microg kg(-1). Frequency of ochratoxin A contamination in dried figs harvested in 2003 and 2004 are 47 and 50%, respectively. Highest contamination ratio was determined in dried figs from Erbeyli (60%), followed by Selcuk (56%), and Ortaklar (50%).     

Determination of zearalenone in botanical dietary supplements, soybeans, grains, and grain products by immunoaffinity column cleanup and liquid chromatography: single-laboratory validation

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a method for measuring levels of zearalenone (ZON) in botanical root products, soybeans, grains, and grain products were determined by an AOAC single-laboratory validation procedure. Replicates of 10 test portions of each powdered root product (black cohosh, ginger, ginseng), brown rice flour, brown rice grain, oat flour, rice bran, soybeans, and wheat flour at each spiking level (ZON at 0, 50, 100, and 200 microg/kg) were analyzed on 3 separate days. Test samples were extracted with methanol-water (75 + 25, v/v). The extracts were centrifuged or filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.5% Tween 20, and filtered; the filtrates were applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for ZON. After the column was washed with methanol-PBS (15 + 85, v/v) containing 0.5% Tween 20 and then with water, the toxin was eluted from the column with methanol, and the eluate was diluted with water. The eluate containing the toxin was then subjected to RPLC with fluorescence detection. All commodities that were found to contain ZON at < 10 microg/kg were used for the recovery study. The average within-day and between-days recoveries of ZON added at levels of 50-200 microg/kg ranged from 82 to 88% and from 81 to 84%, respectively, for all test commodities. The total average of within- and between-day SD and RSDr values for all test commodities ranged from 2.5 to 7.3 microg/kg and from 4.6 to 6.2%, respectively. HorRat values were <1.3 for all matrixes examined. The tested method was found to be acceptable for the matrixes examined.