Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this research, 42 mesir paste samples produced by a limited number of manufacturers in Manisa, Turkey, were analysed for aflatoxin content by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector after pre-separation using immunoaffinity columns. A good correlation was found with good performance in terms of precision for the method. Limit of detection-limit of quantitation of AFG2-AFB2 and AFG1-AFB1 were 0.05/0.15 and 0.03/0.09 µg/kg, respectively. AFG2, AFG1 and AFB1 were detected in 29%, 71% and 52% samples, whereas AFB2 was not detected in any sample. AFtotal, AFG2, AFG1 and AFB1 content varied between 0.04/10.20 µg/kg, 0.07/0.42 µg/kg, 2.02/10.11 µg/kg and 0.04/0.11 µg/kg, respectively. About 9.5% of samples were found to be above the maxium limit (ML) for AFtotal (10 µg/kg), but none of samples exceeded the ML for AFB1 (5 µg/kg) as set by the European Union for spices. According to the results, it was concluded that traditional products like mesir paste which contains different types of spices should be examined in terms of aflatoxins.
Highlights
In this research, 42 mesir paste samples produced by a limited number of manufacturers in Manisa, Turkey, were analysed for aflatoxin content by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector after pre-separation using immunoaffinity columns
AFG2, AFG1 and AFB1 were detected in 29%, 71% and 52% samples, whereas AFB2 was not detected in any sample
Mesir paste is a traditional confectionery product in Manisa and fondly consumed, having claimed functional properties, including antioxidative and energizing ones. This is the first study that focused on determining AFG2, AFG1, AFB2, and AFB1 contamination levels in mesir paste
Summary
42 mesir paste samples produced by a limited number of manufacturers in Manisa, Turkey, were analysed for aflatoxin content by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector after pre-separation using immunoaffinity columns. It was concluded that traditional products like mesir paste which contains different types of spices should be examined in terms of aflatoxins. ‘Mesir paste,’ known as ‘meshir macun or putty,’ is a traditional confectionery product with characteristic aroma, taste, colour and high viscosity It contains approximately 41 types of spices, different plant extracts, honey and sugar. The composition of mesir paste is 80–86% dry matter, and it contains 72–80% saccharide, 5–18% glucose, 0–8% honey, 1–2% spices, 0.07–0.20% lemon salt and 14–17% moisture It is a Turkish folk medicinal product that has been used against diseases since the Ottoman era, and this confectionery product has been distributed to the public from Merkez Efendi Mosque in Manisa on every Newroz (March 21) since 1539 (Hışıl, Bagdatlioglu, & Otles, 1996; Karaman, Kesler, Kayacıer, & Doğan, 2008; Oskay, Karayıldırım, Ay, & Ay, 2010; Sansal, 2015; Yahyaoğlu, 2005). The International Agency for Research on Cancer has included AFB1, one of the most dangerous AF, in its Group 1 classification owing to evidence of its carcinogenic effect in humans. (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1993; Marin, Ramos, Cano-Sancho, & Sanchis, 2013; O’ Riordan & Wilkinson, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
