Effect of Inadequate Drying on Moisture Content and Aflatoxin Concentration in Dried Local Corn Kernels in Iraqi Stores and Silo

BACKGROUND: to ensure the quality and safety of corn must be free mycotoxicogenic fungi because of these mycotoxins are high risk to feed contamination which it affect animal health and human health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to bring to attention the inadequate drying effect on the moisture content and total aflatoxin concentration in dried corn kernels in Iraqi stores and silo under storage conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 182 dried local corn kernels Samples were collected from Iraqi stores and silo in provinces and examined for moisture content test and aflatoxin test. RESULTS: The results indicated moisture content values; 5% in 14 samples, 6% in 18 samples, 7% in 11 samples, 8% in 43 samples, 9% in 40 samples, 10% in 36 samples, 11% in 8 samples, 12% in 12 samples as well as non-occurrence of total aflatoxin in (127) samples at (70%), occurrence of total aflatoxin in (55) samples at (30%), according to the regulatory limit (20ppb) in Iraqi specification; acceptable samples were 163 samples of total samples (182 sample) at (90%) and non-acceptable samples 19 samples of total samples (182 sample) at (10%). CONCLUSION: From this study, we conclude aflatoxin occurrence at moisture content less than 12% in Iraqi stores and silo because of inadequate drying for harvesting corn and inadequate storage conditions.