Aflatoxin and the Midwest grain supply: Perspectives of an expert panel

Abstract

Within the Midwest grain supply, aflatoxin is a carcinogen and toxin that can be found in corn. Aflatoxin develops primarily from the Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus molds. Previous research suggests that drought-like conditions are a substantial factor in the growth of these molds and therefore, in the development of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin levels in the state of Iowa tend to be low but are expected to increase with the change in temperature patterns. There is a large amount of research on aflatoxin exposure patterns, but qualitative data and expert interviews on effective post-harvest risk management strategies are less frequent. This research conducted interviews of an expert panel representing the Iowa grain industry utilizing mixed methods research and a convergent analysis process. Experts were selected using a snowball method utilizing the professional connections of researchers. These experts were classified into three groups: Academic Professionals, Government Officials, and Industry Representatives. The purpose of the interview was to gain insight on expert preconceptions regarding aflatoxin in their industry and its contributing factors, discuss the results and best-use-cases of predictive aflatoxin models, explore effective communication strategies, and discuss the results of proposed policies. Furthermore, this research intends to characterize the importance experts attach to aflatoxin testing, how often and under what conditions aflatoxin tests should be undertaken, and propose methods to incentivize the Midwest grain industry participants to test for aflatoxin when conditions warrant. The results of the interviews showed that 66.6% of participants believed aflatoxin testing was of high importance in a quality management strategy, with 27.8% ranking it as medium importance and 5.6% ranking its importance as low. However, among experts interviewed, most admitted to testing for toxin reactively, often stating that they utilize previous test results to determine if they should test more frequently. Most of the experts agreed that predictive models for aflatoxin would be beneficial in the risk analysis and decision-making processes of their facilities. Many also believed that the best use for such information is in the form of education, communication, and an interactive map-based online tool, open to the public. Additionally, the majority of participants seemed to believe that the communication of such information should be delivered by personnel at land-grant universities. Many experts agreed that the use of such predictive information cannot be utilized easily directly within the industry of grain handling due to the nature of the facilities. The general consensus was that grain facilities are designed to receive a large amount of grain quickly and are not designed for efficient and effective segregation of adulterated crops. Furthermore, there was much agreement that before changes can be made to the industry and its practices, aflatoxin testing devices and methods must become both quicker and more accurate to better facilitate quicker and more effective handling of contaminated grain. These results suggest that more work is needed to improve testing devices and strategies. Further, there is a prevalent need for increased effective, deliberate, and timely communication regarding aflatoxin, its effects, and management strategies.