Abstract
The prevalence and concentrations of three major mycotoxins, total aflatoxin (AFs), fumonisin (F), and zearalenone (ZEN), were determined on seven edible non-timber forest products (ENTFP) in Cameroon. A total of 210 samples consiting of 30 samples from each ENTFP commodity was collected from farmers and local markets in three agroecological zones of Cameroon and analyzed for moisture content and mycotoxins. Mycotoxins were analyzed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and results were validated using the VICAM fluorometric method. The European Union regulation of mycotoxins for human consumption (N°1881/2006) was adopted as reference. The moisture content of samples varied from 5.0% to 22.6%. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in 84.3% samples and only 5.7% exceeded the legal limit (10 ppb). Similarly, 53% of samples were contaminated with fumonisin and 5% of samples exceeded the legal limit (1000 ppb). Zearalenone contamination was detected in 92% of samples and 21% of samples exceeded the legal limit (100 ppb). This is the first report on mycotoxin contamination of ENTFP in the Congo Basin forest. The findings of this study will form a basis for educating farmers and other stakeholders of ENTFP values chain on mycotoxins and mycotoxin mitigation measures to produce safe ENTFP for local and international markets.
Highlights
In recent years, interest in the potential role of non-timber forest products in reduction of poverty, improvement of nutrition and health, and sustainable management of forest resources has increased [1,2]
In the Western High Plateau, the moisture content of samples ranged from 5.11% (Irvingia gabonensis) to 18.62% (T. tetraptera)
Are low volume, high value commodity so they can potentially improve the quality of life for people living in the Congo Basin. This is the first report on mycotoxin contamination of edible non-timber forest products (ENTFP) in the Congo Basin forest
Summary
Interest in the potential role of non-timber forest products in reduction of poverty, improvement of nutrition and health, and sustainable management of forest resources has increased [1,2]. The Congo Basin forest, the second largest forest in the world, offers a diversity of edible non-timber forest products (ENTFP). These products serve as a source of food and medicine for more than 65 million people living in or near the forest. They are used as alternative sources of food for humans during food shortage [5]. They reach the European Union markets, generally in forms of vegetables or spices. In France and Belgium, the annual trade of Gnetum spp
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