FDA allows Iowa to mix corn tainted with toxic mold chemical aflatoxin with regular corn crop

OMAHA (DTN) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will allow grain handlers in Iowa to blend corn containing aflatoxin levels above 20 parts per billion with corn that has lower levels, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

In recent weeks Iowa was one of several states that reported elevated levels of aflatoxin in early deliveries to elevators. Aflatoxin is a set of chemicals produced by molds that can be found on corn and other plants, brought on by drought, heat and damage to plants. Elevators typically dock farmers for corn with levels above 20 ppb, and reject loads at levels above 200.

In an FDA letter sent to the state this week, officials indicated that the move was only temporary.

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