We are a research group that started in the 80s at the National University of Luján and we worked until late On the 10 th of November 2005 we opened the Scientific Research Foundation Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz

Our experience… Mycotoxins occurrence: we have been analysed (until May 20, 2013) samples of wheat, corn, wheat and corn manufactured foods, animals feed, fractions of wet and dry milling wheat and corn, rice, milk, oats, barley, liver, soybean and its products, animal and human plasma, wine, beer, coffee, for the determination of different mycotoxins. Design and implementation of dietary survey: 24 hours recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. Identification of food process that can change mycotoxin contamination levels: bread, tofu.

Our experience… From the beginning of our work, we are doing as advisors to agricultural producers, food manufacturers, export traders, and public and private organizations in relations with mycotoxins. We also have provided assistance and guidance to universities in the interest of mycotoxins research.

The objective of the Foundation is scientific research, teaching, training and the transferring knowledge in the field of foodstuffs, with emphasis on mycotoxins contamination, promoting the study of all aspects involved in the contamination by mycotoxins in the food chain, from primary production to the consumer (Statute, Cap. I, Art. 2º)- The Foundation is nonprofit organization that has agreements with universities and research organization.

For achievement of the objectives the Foundation intends to finance itself through services, trainings, courses and all type of counseling that is carried out. The motto of the Foundation is Truth and Quality

Main matrices

Maximum and average of aflatoxins (µg/kg) in corn

Fumonisins in corn Total fumonisins and FB1 in corn 1998 to 2011

DON average, maximum (µg/kg) and percentage of wheat contamination

Dietary surveys 24 hs recall Two surveys, with the 24 hours recall dietary, have been published: Evaluation of food intake by means of 24 hour dietary recall in a town of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, outline of data base on food consumption. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 28: , 1992; describe a dietary intake, in the city of 9 de Julio, and included from young children to adults. Consumo de alimentos en la población de la Universidad Nacional de Luján. Aporte energético y proteico. La Alimentación Latinoamericana 221:28-36, 1998 Consumo de alimentos e ingesta de algunos nutrientes en la población de la Universidad Nacional de Luján, Argentina. Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición, 49:31-39, 1999 The other survey has be done at Lujan University. This survey included employees, students and professors that are adult people.

Dietary surveys FFQ On year 2003, we work on two Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) surveys, which was involved in the Mycotoxin Project, ICA , INCO-DEV, Development of a Food Quality Management System for the Control of Mycotoxins in Cereal Production and Processing Chains in Latin America South Cone Countries (EU), leading the Work package 2, Risk assessment of human exposure to ochratoxin A. Two populations of Buenos Aires Province were surveyed: Mar del Plata and General Rodriguez. Age, gender, weight, height and health status of blood donors were collected. The survey had 40 items between food and beverages.

December 2011

Thank you Muito obrigado Muchas gracias