A preliminary study of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals sold in traditional market in South Korea

Fusarium species are responsible for the production of harmful trichothecenes mycotoxins in cereals. These mycotoxins are cytotoxic, potentially immunosuppressive and potent fast-acting inhibitors of protein and nucleic acid synthesis. This study validated a HPLC method for simultaneous detection of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. The method was then used for the detection of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals sold in traditional markets in Gyeongnam Province, South Korea. Seventy five samples analyzed, out of which 13 and 25 samples were found to be contaminated with T-2 (35.2–431.0 ng g−1) and HT-2 (21.1–442.7 ng g−1) toxins, respectively and 4 samples were found to be contaminated with both toxins. This study provides data on the contamination level of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals in traditional market in Gyeongnam province, South Korea.