Rancidity
The oil in oil-rich maize germ meal and maize germs can oxidise and become rancid when the products are stored for long periods or under less than appropriate conditions (McDonald et al., 2002; Ewing, 1997).
Phytic acid
Maize germ and maize germ meal are particularly rich in phytic acid. Maize germ was found to contain 6.4% (as fed) of phytic acid, more than wheat bran (4.8%) and sesame seed (5.3%) (Graf et al., 1990; Harbach et al., 2007).