Determination of aflatoxins using chromatographic methods in several foods, feed and herbal medicine products: an analytical review (from 2010 to 2022)

Abstract

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring secondary metabolites generated by several molds, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They can contaminate agricultural products in the field, particularly during periods of high humidity and warmth, such as before or during harvest, or as a result of inappropriate storage, and their occurrence in the food chain is regrettably inevitable. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and measure aflatoxins. For the purpose of determining the presence of aflatoxins in various products, chromatographic methods based on high performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, high performance thin layer chromatography, and thin layer chromatography were described, along with sample preparation and risk assessment. By using several chromatographic techniques with different mobile phases and stationary phases, many analytical methods demonstrated good recovery rates of aflatoxins in a variety of products. An analysis of the existing literature indicates that from 2010 to 2022, a range of chromatographic methods have been accessible for identifying and measuring aflatoxins in food, feed, and certain herbal remedies. Although the literature shows interesting methods from an economic and environmental point of view and they can still be improved to detect aflatoxins in various products.