Levels of aflatoxins, heavy and trace metal contaminants in two non-alcoholic beverages, Asaana and Nmedaa, and two alcoholic beverages, Burukutu and Pito produced by the informal sector in Ghana

Abstract

The production and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from cereals, produced by the informal sector is on the increase in Ghana, but not without concerns because of non-adherence to strict good hygienic and manufacturing practices. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of aflatoxins, heavy and trace metals contaminants in two alcoholic, Burukutu and Pito and two non-alcoholic, Asaana and Nmedaa, beverages produced by the informal sector at the Coastal, Middle and Northern geographical zones in Ghana. Aflatoxins were determined by High Performance Chromatography and metals by Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometer and flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Processing methods by brewers were assessed to identify possible sources of contaminants. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard indices (HI) associated with the consumption of these beverages by 3,900 respondents were also determined. Beverages from the Coastal zones had the highest aflatoxin levels ranging from 0.023 in Asaana to 5.377 g/kg in Nmedaa; the latter exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 4.0 µg/kg. Average annual consumption per respondent averaged between 22 and 146 L. HI of total aflatoxins in all beverages was less than 1. The EDI for lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in Asaana, Nmedaa and Pito were higher than those set by WHO at 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg/ bw for Pb and Zn, respectively. Nickel (Ni) in Asaana and Pito, Zn in all samples except Burukutu, from the Middle (represented by Kumasi, Latitude 6.67°N longitude, 1.62 oW) and Coastal (Accra) zones and Pb in all samples except Burukutu had HI>1. Consumption of all four local beverages may not pose aflatoxin health risks to consumers in Ghana. However, the levels of Ni, Zn and Pb in Asaana and Nmedaa are worrying.