Quantification of Aflatoxins in Different Dates (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Varieties from Humid Subtropical Regions

Abstract

Food items are prone to fungal attacks due to the warm and humid climatic conditions of Pakistan. The aflatoxins (AFs) are the most common mycotoxins produced by fungal species highly responsible for liver toxicity and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study was planned to assess the contamination levels of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in local and imported varieties (Irani and Saudi) collected from Pakistan. About 251 dates samples were procured from the markets and analyzed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) in isocratic mode. The AFs were detected in 89% of date samples ranging from 32.9 to 1465.4 μg kg-1 all of which exceeded the permissible limit of AFs set by FDA (USA) (20 µg kg-1) and EU (4 µg kg-1) for human consumption. The two main local varieties Kupro (801.5 µg kg-1), and Mazafati (1275.8 µg kg-1) had maximum concentrations of total aflatoxins. Out of imported varieties, Mabroom (Saudi) (272.94 µg kg-1) and Rubai (Irani) (1465.42 µg kg-1) have the highest concentrations of total aflatoxins. The maximum levels of AFB1 were seen in Mazafati (Pakistani) (521.5 µg kg-1), Mabroom Saudi (127.6 µg kg-1) and Rubai Irani (662.8 µg kg-1). It could be seen that overall local varieties have higher contamination of AB1 and total AFs with the exception of Rubai (Irani) and Mabroom (Saudi) due to the poor storage conditions, improper pre- and post-harvesting handling, and humid conditions of Pakistan emphasizing the need for proper management and regulation.