Abstract
Background: Aflatoxins (AF’s) are secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi on grains and animal feeds. Because of serious impact of AF’s on health, they should be monitored closely in potentially hazardous foods and feeds. Method: In this study, AF’s in imported animal feeds including cereals, corn gluten and meals (pastes derived from the cotton, colza and sunflower seeds) from several Iranian ports were investigated. To determine AF’s contamination in feeds, the HPLC method coupled with immunoaffinity column clean up and post column derivatization were used. Results: The results showed that 44.2% of samples were positive for AF’s at levels of 0.5 to 103.8μg/Kg. Nine of the positive samples (3.7%) showed total AF’s concentrations (B1, B2, G1 and G2) higher than the limit established by the regulated Iranian standards. Conclusions: The results of the present investigation showed that the level of aflatoxin contamination in these feeds samples was variable. Among the samples, corn was more susceptible to various AF species than other tested substrates.
Highlights
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds and have adverse effects in humans, animals, and crops, and often result in illnesses
Aflatoxins are a family of related bisfuranocoumarin compounds
They are the secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi on grains and animal feeds [13]
Summary
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds and have adverse effects in humans, animals, and crops, and often result in illnesses. They are a structurally and functionally diverse group of organic compounds that affect humans and animals alike [1]. Contamination occurs when there is insect damage, delayed harvesting and high moisture levels during storage and transportation [4]. Aflatoxins (AF’s) are secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi on grains and animal feeds. Because of serious impact of AF’s on health, they should be monitored closely in potentially hazardous foods and feeds. Conclusions: The results of the present investigation showed that the level of aflatoxin contamination in these feeds samples was variable.
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