Isolation and identification of associated fungi of Aspergillus and Penicillium genus and quantification of ochratoxin(A) in raisins samples in Tripoli Area (Preliminary study)

Abstract

This preliminary study aimed to determine the moisture content and isolation and identification of some fungi- genus of Aspergillus and Penicillium in 19 raisins samples (10 locals and 9 imported) randomly collected from different local markets in Tripoli city, Libya. The study included the detection and quantification of ochratoxin (A) that could be present in the selected raisins samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results indicated that the imported samples recorded the lowest moisture content vs. local samples (9.30% and 20.51%, respectively). Study results indicated that only two "%" local raisins samples having more moisture content than 18%. As far as fungi isolates, 76 fungi isolates were detected in all samples. Based on morphological and cultural characteristics, four species of such isolates belong to the genus Aspergillus while 3 species belong to the genus Penicillium. Using ELISA technique with a detection limit higher than 1.25 ng/gram, results revealed that 10 raisins samples (26.35%) contained ochratoxin (A) with an average concentration of 3.10 ng/gram. With the exception of two local c raisins samples that their moisture level was more than 18%, generally, results of this study were in confirm with Libyan Specification number 683-2013 set for the maximum permitted level of ochratoxin (A) in food and animal feed. In addition to codex standard number 67-1981