Deoxynivalenol in wheat milling fractions: A critical evaluation regarding ongoing and new legislation limits

Abstract New maximum limits (ML) for deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat and its products were set in Brazil in 2017, and new changes are scheduled for 2019. The concentration of DON in wheat and milling fractions (bran, shorts, break flour, reduction flour) was evaluated in samples from commercial fields to discuss the effects of the new legislation. Cleaned wheat samples contaminated with DON had concentrations ranging from 308 to 2373 ng g −1 (n = 29), and one sample had a concentration of 3426 ng g −1 . DON concentration obtained in bran and shorts were significantly higher than that of the flours. Compared to the initial concentration in cleaned wheat, DON relative concentrations were 73 and 35% higher in bran and shorts, respectively, and 67% lower in the straight run flour (break plus reduction flour). The bran and straight run flour contained DON concentrations that were 62.1 and 17.2% respectively higher than that of the ML set in Brazil in 2017; additionally, these values would reach 65.5 and 34.5%, respectively, according to the changes to be in effect in 2019. The present study demonstrates DON distribution in wheat milling fractions, thus, providing updated information for the management of DON contamination for the industry and policymakers.