Maize (Zea mays)

This chapter, prepared by the OECD Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds with the Netherlands and the United States as lead countries, deals with the composition of maize (Zea mays). It contains elements that can be used in a comparative approach as part of a safety assessment of foods and feeds derived from new varieties. Background is given on maize production and processing, followed by appropriate varietal comparators and characteristic screened by breeders. Then nutrients in maize and its products, anti-nutrients, allergens and secondary metabolites are detailed. The final sections suggest key products and constituents for analysis of new varieties for food use and for feed use.