Lisa K. Bricknell

Managing mycotoxins in maize: case studies

Mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize is neither common nor extensive, but has the capacity to seriously disrupt marketing. Low to moderate levels of aflatoxins and fumonisins can be widespread in some seasons, but zearalenone, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol are usually confined to small growing localities. Possible approaches to such situations were tested by an analysis of several case studies. It is concluded that communication and coordination across the industry, prediction and prevention of contamination, rapid detection and assessment of contamination, effective use of contaminated maize and breeding for resistance comprise a useful set of strategies for managing mycotoxins in maize.

Risk management for mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize

Recent incidents of mycotoxin contamination (particularly aflatoxins and fumonisins) have demonstrated a need for an industry-wide management system to ensure Australian maize meets the requirements of all domestic users and export markets. Results of recent surveys are presented, demonstrating overall good conformity with nationally accepted industry marketing standards but with occasional samples exceeding these levels. This paper describes mycotoxin-related hazards inherent in the Australian maize production system and a methodology combining good agricultural practices and the hazard analysis critical control point framework to manage risk.

The Need to Measure and Manage the Cumulative Impacts of Resource Development on Public Health: An Australian Perspective

Australia is home to several resource-intensive regions that feature vast mineral, ore and/or coal deposits pooled in one physical location (Figure 1). These areas are usually character‐ ised by multiple mediumto large-scale extraction and processing facilities, and typically in‐ clude extensive road, rail and port infrastructure. The Australian resources sector has been defined by the Commonwealth of Australia [1] as: