Fusarium species and fumonisins associated with maize kernels produced in Rio Grande do Sul State for the 2008/09 and 2009/10 growing seasons

Ear rots caused by Fusarium spp. are among the main fungal diseases that contribute to poor quality and the contamination of maize grains with mycotoxins. This study aimed to determine the visual incidence of fungal-damaged kernels (FDKs), the incidence of two main Gibberella (a teleomorph of Fusarium) complexes (G. fujikuroi and G. zeae) associated with maize using a seed health blotter test, and the fumonisin levels, using high performance liquid chromatography, in samples of maize grains grown across 23 municipalities during the 2008/09 and 2009/10 growing seasons. Additionally, 104 strains that were representative of all of the analysed samples were identified to species using PCR assays. The mean FDK was seven per cent, and only six of the samples had levels greater than six per cent. Fusarium spp. of the G. fujikuroi complex were present in 96% of the samples, and G. zeae was present in 18% of the samples (5/27). The mean incidence of G. fujikuroi was 58%, and the incidence of G. zeae varied from 2 to 6%. FB1 was found in 58.6%, FB2 in 37.9%, and both toxins in 37.9% of the samples. The FB1 and FB2 levels were below the quantification limits for 41.3% of the samples, and the mean FB1 levels (0.66 µg/g) were higher than the mean FB2 levels (0.42 µg/g). The PCR identification separated the 104 isolates into three of the G. fujikuroi complex: F. verticillioides (76%), F. subglutinans (4%) and F. proliferatum (2%); and G. zeae (anamorph = F. graminearum) (18%). Our results confirmed the dominance of F. verticillioides, similar to other regions of Brazil, but they differed due to the relatively higher incidence of F. graminearum. Total fumonisin levels were below the maximum limit determined by current Brazilian regulations.(AU)

Panorama sobre a regulamentação do sistema APPCC em estabelecimentos de carne de aves sob inspeção federal

Desde 2006, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) vem desenvolvendo regulamentação específica para aplicação do sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) nos matadouros de aves sob inspeção federal, incluindo diretrizes para a implantação desse programa de qualidade nas indústrias. Este artigo apresenta um panorama sobre a evolução dessa regulamentação, atualmente estagnada, e os métodos vigentes para fiscalização da aplicação do sistema APPCC em estabelecimentos de carne de aves. Dessa forma, os autores buscam facilitar a compreensão do processo regulatório por pesquisadores e técnicos da área e, com isso, incentivar esses profissionais a contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento das diretrizes governamentais.(AU)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), in other to fulfill sanitary agreements between Brazilian government and other countries that imports poultry meat, set guidelines for the implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in poultry slaughterhouses plants under official government inspection and a generic HACCP model with four critical control points (CCPs), which includes a chemical CCP. However, due to the flaws detected by European auditors, some of the plants had to review their HACCP plans, and the MAPA have the need to realize a new hazard analysis on the poultry slaughter and meat processing procedures. This article seeks to enhance the development of guidelines for chemical PCC in poultry slaughterhouses plants of the genus Gallus.(AU)