The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released a survey which identified that all corn products tested for fumonisin (FMN) toxins were safe for consumption.
Fumonisins are toxins released naturally by Fusarium moulds on corn in fields and on raw corn or finished corn products in the storage.
The agency tested 276 samples of domestic and imported corn products in 2010-2011 for FMN. Most the samples analyzed (about 57%) contained low but detectable levels of FMN. Only eight samples exceeded established international maximum levels, but Health Canada noted that they would not pose a human health concern, and therefore no recalls were required.
FMNs affect the human cell metabolism and are considered possible carcinogens. They have also been associated with oesophageal cancer and neural tube defects in some geographic areas of the world. The major potential source of FMN in Canadian diets is contaminated corn products.
