This study aims to determine the presence of aflatoxins in extruded cereals sold in
bulk at El Arenal market. During a period of five months, 30 samples were collected and then
analyzed in the laboratories of “Universidad del Azuay” by using the Veratox kit for Aflatoxin HS.
This kit is capable of determine quantitatively aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 through the enzymelinked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. From the total samples analyzed, 1% was within
the permitted limit of 10 mg/Kg, which is the European Union legislation. This value has been
taken as reference for this study because Ecuador does not have a regulation for corn products;
however, it is important to note that 80% of the samples show low levels of aflatoxins, which in a
long term could be one of the causes of various diseases related to cancer.
