Co-occurrence Of Aflatoxins Research Articles

Simultaneous Detection of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins in Industrial and Traditional Red and isot Pepper Flakes along with Dietary Exposure Risk Assessment.

This study focused on the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in traditionally and industrially dried red pepper flakes (DRPFs) and isot pepper flakes (IPFs). Following the multitoxin immunoaffinity column (IAC) clean-up, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was used to quantify AFs and OTA. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 0.11 and 0.18 μg kg–1 (AFB1), 0.04 and 0.08 μg kg–1 (AFB2), 0.13 and 0.18 μg kg–1 (AFG1), 0.04 and 0.11 μg kg–1 (AFG2), and 0.10 and 0.21 μg kg–1 (OTA), respectively. AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and OTA were found to be positive in 93, 74, 17, and 94% of all samples, respectively. The contamination levels in positive samples ranged from 0.23 to 38.69, 0.04 to 2.14, 0.13 to 0.88, and 0.18 to 52.19 μg kg–1 for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and OTA, respectively, while no AFG2 was found above the detection limit (0.04 μg kg–1). None of the industrial isot peppers exceeded the European Union limits, while the levels of AFB1 (5 μg kg–1), total AFs (10 μg kg–1), and OTA (20 μg kg–1) of the traditional peppers were above the limit by 30% (16/54), 26% (14/54), and 4% (2/54), respectively. Co-occurrence of AFB1-AFB2-OTA was the most frequent, accounting for 54% (29/54) of all samples. At the upper bound (UB), estimated average exposure to AFB1, total AFs, and OTA was determined to be 0.175, 0.189, and 0.124 ng kg–1 bw day–1 in all samples, respectively. The margin of exposure (MoE) value of AFB1 and total AFs was found to be 977 and 909, indicating high health concerns compared to OTA (MoE >10,000). AFB1 and total AFs may result in 0.0058 and 0.0062 liver cancer cases/100,000 person/year at UB, respectively, and weekly OTA exposure was 0.868 ng kg–1 bw, well below the provisional tolerable weekly intake, hence not of health concern. AFs exposure could endanger health, whereas OTA posed no toxicological concerns through dried red pepper consumption

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins in plant oil products from China

ABSTRACT Aflatoxins have been detected as contaminants of oil crops before harvesting and drying, during storage and manufacturing and could be transferable to plant oils. There are more than 20 different types of aflatoxins, among which the most commonly occurring are the B1, B2, G1 and G2. Concentrations of these four aflatoxins were determined in plant oils from retail shops in China and in crude peanut oil extracted from culled mouldy peanuts by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Overall, aflatoxins were present in 25 of the 63 samples. The four aflatoxins co-existed in vegetable oil, but the content of AFB1 was usually higher than the other aflatoxins. Particularly in the case of highly contaminated oil samples, AFB1 accounted for 68% of the total aflatoxins. According to the health risk assessment, the low margin of exposure values from AFB1 in oils suggests a high level of concern for children.

Mycotoxin Co-Occurrence in Milks and Exposure Estimation: A Pilot Study in São Paulo, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to conduct a first evaluation on the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) M1, B1, B2, G1 and G2; fumonisins (F) B1 and B2; deoxynivalenol (DON); de-epoxydeoxinivalenol (DOM-1); ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); α-zearalenol (α-ZEL); and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) in 68 samples of fluid milk consumed in Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. The probable daily intake (PDI) was also calculated for each mycotoxin evaluated. Mycotoxins were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Sixty-two (91.2%) samples contained at least one type of mycotoxin. AFM1 was found in 6 samples (8.8%), and none of them presented concentrations above the Brazilian maximum permitted level in milk (500 ng/L). Low levels of non-regulated mycotoxins DOM-1, OTA, FB1, FB2, α-ZEL and β-ZEL were found in 6 (8.8%), 17 (25%), 10 (14.7%), 3 (4.4%), 39 (57.4%) and 28 (41.2%) samples of milk, respectively. None of the PDIs calculated for the quantified mycotoxins were above recommended values, indicating low exposure through milk consumption in the area studied. However, 21 samples (30.9%) contained 2–4 types of mycotoxins, which warrants concern about the potential adverse effects of mycotoxin mixtures in milks.

Simultaneous Estimation of Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) by Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in Corn Samples

Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavins and Aspergillus pasasiticus have been investigated in the corn (maize) collected in different locations in Andhra Pradesh state, India. In the present study, 24 corn samples collected from different harvest, storage and dumping areas were analyzed for detection of aflatoxin contamination by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Mixed aflatoxin working standard solutions with a concentration of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 ng/mL were prepared and followed by instrumental analysis and the retention times of the sample chromatograms were compared with the standard aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 retention times in order to determine the contamination. The findings revealed that among 24 collected samples, only 10 samples have been found positive for aflatoxins contamination when subjected to LC-MS analysis. Co-occurrence of aflatoxin was identified in the most of the samples. Even though 10 samples were tested positive total aflatoxin content in the most positive are found within the acceptable limits (30 μg/kg) and samples collected at dumping areas (S4, S8 and S10) show the presence of exceeding quantity than the limits described by FSSAI. Total aflatoxin content in the most positive were found within the acceptable limits (30 μg/kg) and the samples collected at dumping areas S4 (40.9 μg/kg), S8 (53.2 μg/kg) and S10 (71.86 μg/kg) had shown exceeding limits. The sample S7 collected from the storage was also found positive of presence of aflatoxin G2- 13.49 μg/kg and B2-21.14 μg/kg with total aflatoxin of 34.65 μg/kg. High contamination of these dumping areas may lead to contamination of storage points nearer to these areas. Present results showed that the corn samples at dumping areas were found to be contaminated with the Aspergillus flavins and Aspergillus pasasiticus.

Mycotoxin occurrence in Peruvian purple maize

The presence of mycotoxins in 82 samples of Peruvian purple maize was determined by LC-MS/MS methods. Samples were collected from local commercial establishments in Peru from December 2015 to March 2016, and from March 2017 to April 2017. Aflatoxins (AF) (64.6%) and fumonisins (FB) (63.4%) were the most common mycotoxins, with average values of 2.1 (1-17) and 2,586 (125-27,490) μg/kg, respectively. Zearalenone (ZEA) was identified in a single sample at 24.4 μg/kg. Co-occurrence of AF and FB was confirmed in 45.1% of the samples (n=37), which presented significant (P<0.05) Spearman correlation (ρ=0.59) between these mycotoxins. Co-occurrence of AF, FB and ZEA was found in one sample and ZEA was found in one sample. Ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fusarenone X, diacetoxyscirpenol, 3-acetyldeoxinivalenol, HT-2 toxin and T-2 toxin were not detected. Water activity (Aw) of these samples exceeded 0.73; there was no correlation between Aw and the levels of mycotoxins. This is the first study to evaluate the occurrence of mycotoxins in Peruvian purple maize, and it ascertained that this variety may pose a risk to public health. Therefore, there is a need to control this grain supply chain in order to determine the factors involved in the presence of these toxins, and to establish regulatory limits or guidelines for maximum tolerated levels.

The occurrence and co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin along the maize value chain in southwest Nigeria

Aflatoxin and fumonisin are two major foodborne mycotoxins: toxic chemicals produced by fungi that contaminate food commodities including maize, a staple food in sub-Saharan Africa. Aflatoxin causes liver cancer, and is associated with acute liver toxicity and immunotoxicity; while fumonisin is associated with neural tube defects in infants and esophageal cancer. Both mycotoxins have been associated with child growth impairment. Previous studies suggest that co-occurrence of these mycotoxins may have potentially synergistic toxicological effects. Despite health risks associated with co-occurrence of these mycotoxins, no study has examined their co-occurrence along key food supply chains in Africa. This study is the first report that examines the occurrence and co-occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisins along the maize value chain in Nigeria. All samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. About 52% and 21% of the samples had aflatoxin levels above the Nigerian and US standards for human food, respectively. Though no regulatory limits exist for fumonisin in Nigeria, 13% of the samples contained fumonisin levels higher than the US regulatory limit. Aflatoxin levels can become dangerously high in maize stored four months or longer. Adequately addressing mycotoxin risk requires consideration of the entire maize value chain and associated value chains for food production.

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A: occurrence and contamination levels in cocoa beans from Brazil

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was evaluated in 123 samples of cocoa beans produced in five Brazilian states. The presence of these mycotoxins was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) after immunoaffinity column clean-up. The mean level of total AFs in cocoa beans samples was 5.7 μg.kg−1. Four (3.3%) samples exceeded the maximum limit of 10 μg.kg−1 established by the Brazilian legislation for total AFs. The mean level of OTA contamination was 1.2 μg.kg−1, and none of the samples exceeded the maximum limit established by the Brazilian legislation. The co-occurrence of AFs and OTA was observed in 4.9% of the samples. The results of the present study demonstrated that, in relation to the levels of AFs and OTA established by the Brazilian legislation, most samples of cocoa beans analyzed are safe for consumption. This is the first report on the occurrence and levels of AFs and OTA in cocoa beans from the five main Brazilian states producing cocoa. The data in this study provide important information for farmers, traders, industry, consumers and law enforcement agencies.

Determination of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Traditional Turkish Concentrated Fruit Juice Products by Multi-Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup and LC Fluorescence Detection: Single-Laboratory Validation

Background: Pekmez and pestil are traditional Turkish foods made from concentrated grape juice, which can be contaminated with mycotoxins such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OTA). Objective: To carry out a single-laboratory validation of a method to simultaneously determine aflatoxins B1, B₂, G1, and G₂ and ochratoxin A in pekmez and pestil. Methods: The homogenized sample is extracted with methanol-water (80 + 20) using a high-speed blender. The (sample) extract is filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline solution, and applied to a multi-immunoaffinity column (AFLAOCHRA PREP®). Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are removed with (neat) methanol and then directly analyzed by reversed-phase LC with fluorescence detection using post-column bromination (Kobra cell®). Results: Test portions of blank pekmez and pestil were spiked with a mixture of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A to give levels ranging from 2.6 to 10.4μg/kg and 1.0-4.0μg/kg, respectively. Recoveries for total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A ranged from 84 to 106% and 80-97%, respectively, for spiked samples. Based on results for spiked pekmez and pestil (30 replicates each at three levels), the repeatability RSD ranged from 1.6 to 12% and 2.7-11% for total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, respectively. Conclusions: The method performance in terms of recovery, repeatability, and detection limits has been demonstrated to be suitable for use as an Official Method. Highlights: First immunoaffinity column method validated for simultaneous analysis of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in pekmez and pestil. Suitability for use for official purposes in Turkey, demonstrated by single-laboratory validation. Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and OTA in mulberry and carob pekmez reported for the first time.

Effect of milling, fermentation or roasting on water activity, fungal growth, and aflatoxin contamination of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc)

The study investigated the mycological safety of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) from Southern Africa. Conventional and molecular methods identified aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus in Bambara seed while a modified QuEChERS method for mycotoxin detection confirmed the presence of aflatoxin in the flour. Flour samples obtained by milling, roasting and milling, and spontaneous fermentation stored for 30 days at simulated tropical conditions (30 ± 1 °C, 85 ± 2% relative humidity) were analyzed for changes in fungal counts, water activity and aflatoxin production.A co-occurrence of Aflatoxin (AF) B1 (0.13–6.90), AFB2 (0.14–2.90), AFG1 (1.38–4.60), and AFG2 (0.15–1.00) was recorded in the flour samples. Over the storage period, there was significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the water activity of roasted Bambara groundnut flour (0.09–0.95), fermented Bambara groundnut flour (0.34–1.02), and Bambara groundnut flour (0.42–0.89); and in the fungal counts irrespective of the processing method. Roasting at 140 °C for 20 min completely degraded aflatoxin in the seeds. Fungal and mycotoxin contamination of Bambara groundnut raises concerns on health of consumers.

Co‐occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in nuts, dry fruits, and nuty products

AbstractA total of 320 samples of edible nuts (poppy seed, peanut, pistachio, cashew, almonds) and dry fruits (plum, raisins, figs, dates, apricot, watermelon seed, melon seeds, pomegranate seeds) collected from major cities of Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Sample extracts were purified using immunoaffinity columns and analyzed by reversed phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) were found in 128 (40%) samples, and total AFs exceeded levels of 4 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg in 34 and 25% of samples. The highest mean levels of total AFs (7.30 ± 1.80 µg/kg) were found in peanuts without shell, the lowest mean levels (2.90 ± 1.50 µg/kg) were found in watermelon seeds with shell samples. OTA was found in 18 (5%) samples, the highest levels (5.60 ± 1.34 µg/kg) were found in raisins (maximum 18.5 µg/kg). Only four samples of edible nuts and dry fruits were contaminated with OTA at levels above the recommended limit of 10 µg/kg. The results have revealed the co‐occurrence of OTA and total AFs in 25% total samples of dry fruits and nuts with a mean level of OTA 3.58 ± 1.30 µg/kg and total AFs mean level of 4.13 ± 0.48 µg/kg, respectively. The high frequency especially of AFs in dry fruits and edible nuts is regarded as a health issue for consumers.Practical applicationsThe manuscript has provided the current status on the levels of AFs and OTA in dry fruits and nuts in Pakistan. The results of current finding revealed that the levels of AFs and OTA in those samples which have stored in shells are significantly less as compared to those samples of nuts and dry fruits which have been stored without shells. Therefore, to use good storage practices, farmers, venders, and traders can eliminate or minimize the levels of these toxins in their products. Furthermore, the study will provide the awareness and levels of AFs and OTA in nuts and dry fruits and help to implement strict regulations for these toxins by law enforcement agencies.

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dried fruits in Iran: Dietary exposure risk assessment

In this study, the contamination levels of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 88 collected samples from Iran's market including dried mulberry, date, fig, and apricot were evaluated. The margin of exposure (MOE) was estimated to assess the risk of dietary intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and OTA. The incidence of AFB1 in dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples was 45.5, 40.9, 59.1, and 81.8%, respectively. Although the mean total AFs content in contaminated samples of date (2.61 μg/kg), fig (3.43 μg/kg) and apricot (2.91 μg/kg) was lower than the maximum limit set in the European Union (EU) (4 μg/kg), dried mulberry samples showed a higher contamination level (4.12 μg/kg). The co-occurrence of OTA and AFs were noted in 4 (18.9%), 2 (9.1%), 4 (18.2%), and 10 (45.5%) in the dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. Based on the calculated MOE, the dietary exposure to AFs through the consumption of dried fruit in Iran poses a potential risk to consumer health. OTA was detected in 45.45%, 22.72%, 45.45%, and 50% of mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. However, OTA levels in all types of dried fruit were below recommended level in EU regulation (10 μg/kg) and MOE >10000, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers.

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and citrinin in “egusi” melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.) seeds consumed in Ireland and the United Kingdom

ABSTRACTThe natural co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) in melon seed samples obtained from retailers and households in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) was evaluated. AFs and OTA were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection while CIT was analysed by HPLC-MS/MS. AFB1 was detected in all (100%) samples (mean = 9.7 μg kg−1; range = 0.2–66.5 μg kg−1). Mean total AFs was 12.0 μg kg−1 (range = 0.3–82 μg kg−1). Commercially retailed samples showed a significantly higher AFB1 contamination (p < 0.05) than the household samples. OTA occurred in 3 (13.6%) samples, while 4 (18.2%) were contaminated with CIT at very low levels. In this study, 68% of the melon seed samples were contaminated above the 2 μg kg−1 EU limit for AFB1 in oilseeds. These results highlight the need for the development of strategies to reduce AF contamination in “egusi” for human consumption.

Comparative Analysis of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins Contaminating Soya Bean Seeds and Processed Soya Bean from Nigerian Markets

Concern for food safety has continued to grow worldwide including the issue of mycotoxin contamination of food products from farm to fork. In this regard, soya bean seeds and processed soya bean powder bought from some Nigerian markets were screened for fungal and mycotoxin contamination. Fungal identification was done by both conventional and molecular methods after samples were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA), ohio agricultural experimental station agar (OAESA), malt extract agar (MEA) and czapek yeast agar (CYA). Mycotoxin analysis by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography was done after extraction and clean-up by multi-mycotoxin extraction procedure and solid phase extraction (SPE) isolute strong ion exchange (SAX) columns. Results from the analysis showed that soya bean seeds had higher incidences of fungal species such as Alternaria (52.4%) and Aspergillus flavus (42.9%). Mycotoxins detected include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B with highest concentration of 3.430 μg/g, 0.125 μg/g and 4.286 μg/g respectively, which were below regulatory limits. The study showed that there was co-occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisin B1 in both sample types and though these values are low, should not be ignored as a result of health risks associated with exposure to these compounds.

Monitoring of Mycotoxins in Feed for Goats and Their Residues in Milk

&lt;p&gt;Aflatoxins are mainly produced by &lt;em&gt;Aspergillus flavus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;A. parasiticus&lt;/em&gt;, whereas &lt;em&gt;A. flavus&lt;/em&gt;, under different conditions, also can produce cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Several studies on mycotoxins in feed and cow milk have been reported, but the investigation of the co-occurrence of aflatoxins and CPA in feed and goat milk is an unprecedent study in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid in diets intended for dairy goats and their residues in milk in 10 familiar properties of Southwestern Sao Paulo region, totalizing 128 samples of feed and 120 samples of milk. Aflatoxins have been extracted and purified in an immunoaffinity column specific for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). The analyses for detection and quantification of toxins were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. From the analyses of the feeds, 2.34% of these were contaminated with aflatoxin at levels ranging from: 3.65 to 36.93 ug/kg for AFB1; 0.35 to 2.46 ug/kg for AFB2; trace to 46.06 ug/ kg for AFG1 and 0.61 to 1.65 ug/ kg for AFG2. One sample showed a concentration of 87.1 ug/kg, above that allowed by Brazilian law. Concerning CPA, 3.12% of the feed samples were positive for it at concentrations ranging from trace to 1.90 ug/kg. AFM1 and CPA were not detected in the milk samples. The results demonstrate that low contamination by mycotoxins in feeds and the absence of AFM1 and CPA in milk indicate best practices in the management and storage of these feeds.&lt;/p&gt;

Relative severity of fumonisin contamination of cereal crops in West Africa

Traditional and improved varieties of maize, pearl millet and sorghum were planted by small-scale farmers under the direction of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture in two Nigerian agro-ecological zones: the Sudan Savanna and the Northern Guinea Savanna. Samples were collected for the determination of Fusarium infection and fumonisin (B1, B2 and B3) contamination. A previous paper reported Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination of these samples. Fusarium infection levels, measured by per cent kernels infected, were modest with mean levels for the above cereals of 16% ± 11% (SD), 12% ± 7% and 13% ± 16%, respectively. However, the Fusarium species recovered from maize were predominantly the fumonisin producers F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, together making an infection rate of 15% ± 10%, whereas these species were present to a limited extent only in the other two cereals, 1% ± 1% for pearl millet and 2% ± 6% for sorghum. Fumonisin contamination was variable but reflected the diversity of Fusarium producers in these three cereals. Mean levels were 228 ± 579 µg kg–1 (range < 5–2860 µg kg–1) for maize, 18 ± 7 µg kg–1 (range = 6–29 µg kg–1) for pearl millet and 131 ± 270 µg kg–1 (range < 5–1340 µg kg–1) for sorghum. Together with previous results on aflatoxin, this study confirmed the co-occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in maize as well as in the traditional African cereals, millet and sorghum (89% co-occurrence across all three cereals). The low fumonisin levels may be ascribed to the use of good agricultural practices. Of the Fusarium species present, those in maize consisted mainly of fumonisin producers, the opposite of what was observed in pearl millet and sorghum. It is concluded that replacement of maize by pearl millet and sorghum could improve food safety with regards to aflatoxin B and fumonisin B exposure.

Natural occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in processed spices marketed in Malaysia

The analysis of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was performed in processed spices marketed in Penang, Malaysia, using immunoaffinity columns and HPLC equipped with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD). The processed powdered spices analysed include dried chilli, fennel, cumin, turmeric, black and white pepper, poppy seed, coriander, ‘garam masala’, and mixed spices for fish, meat and chicken curry. Two different studies were carried out. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 ng g−1 for each aflatoxin (AF) and 0.10 ng g−1 for OTA (signal-to-noise ratio = 3:1). In the first study, 34 commercial processed spices analysed with a mean level, range and incidence of positive samples for total AF were 1.61 ng g−1, 0.01–9.34 ng g−1 and 85%, respectively, and for AFB1 were 1.38 ng g−1, 0.01–7.68 ng g−1 and 85%, respectively. The mean level, range and incidence of positive samples for OTA were 2.21 ng g−1, 0.14–20.40 ng g−1 and 79%, respectively. Natural co-occurrence of AF and OTA was found in 25 (74%) samples. In the second study of 24 commercial processed spices, the mean level, range and incidence of positive samples for total AF were 8.38 ng g−1, 0.32–31.17 ng g−1 and 88%, respectively, and for AFB1 were 7.31 ng g−1, 0.32–28.43 ng g−1 and 83%, respectively. Fifteen positive samples for total AF and two positive samples for OTA exceeded the permissible Malaysian limit of 5 ng g−1. Contamination of both mycotoxins in spices may represent another route of exposure to consumers due to their frequent and prolonged consumption, as spices are common ingredients in popular dishes among Asian countries.

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in spices commercialized in Italy

A total of 130 spice samples coming from India, China, South America, USA, Northern Africa, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa were collected in different stores of Northern Italy. They were analysed for aflatoxins (AFs: AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) content by liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy and positive electrospray ionization (LC/ESI-MS/MS), and HPLC with fluorescence detector (FLD), respectively. The analysis showed that 20 (15.4%) and 31 (23.8%) out of 130 samples were contaminated with AFs and OTA, respectively. A low level of total AFs contamination was found in the positive samples, the average concentration was 0.64 ng g−1, far below the maximum threshold admitted by the European legislation (5 ng g−1 for AFB1, and 10 ng g−1 for total aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2). A higher incidence of OTA was found in chili (60.0%) more than in pepper (13.3%), ranging from 2.16 to 16.35 ng g−1, and from 1.61 to 15.85 ng g−1, respectively. Moreover, three spice samples (2.3%) contaminated by OTA trespassed the threshold admitted by the European Regulation (EC, 2010). The co-occurrence of OTA and AFs in spices was detected in 6 out of 130 samples (4.6%), ranging from 1.61 to 15.85 ng g−1 and from 0.57 to 3.19 ng g−1, respectively.

Natural co-occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins in poultry feeds from Entre Ríos, Argentina

A total of 120 pelleted poultry feed samples from Entre Ríos Province, Argentina, were evaluated. The aims were to investigate (1) the presence of relevant toxigenic fungi, as well as to determine the ability to produce aflatoxins (AFs) by Aspergillus section Flavi isolated strains; and (2) the natural co-occurrence of AFs, fumonisins (FBs), gliotoxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), HT-2 and T-2 toxin by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Total fungal counts were below the established value (1 × 104 CFU g−1). Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus were the only aflatoxigenic species isolated. Co-occurrence of fumonisin B1 (FB1), HT-2 and T-2 toxin was detected in 100% of the feeds, with mean levels from 4502 to 5813; 6.7 to 21.6 and 19.6 to 30.3 µg kg−1, respectively. A large number of starter samples were co-contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), FB1, HT-2 and T-2 toxins. Gliotoxin and DAS were not found in this survey.

Mycobiota and mycotoxin contamination of maize flours and popcorn kernels for human consumption commercialized in Spain

Mycobiota and co-occurrence of aflatoxins, citrinin, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in 30 samples of maize flours and 30 of popcorn kernels purchased in Spain for human consumption were determined. The mycotoxin-producing ability of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium spp. was also studied.Total fungal counts of maize flours ranged from <10 to 8.4 × 104 CFU/g and predominant mycobiota belonged to Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. In popcorn kernels samples the most frequent species were Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp.Aflatoxins were produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, citrinin by Penicillium citrinum and Penicillium verrucosum, ochratoxin A by Aspergillus niger and patulin by Aspergillus clavatus and Penicillium griseofulvum. Identification of all the mycotoxin-producing strains as well as some Aspergillus spp. difficult to identify using phenotypic characters only was also performed by molecular methods.Aflatoxins were detected in 14 maize flours and 2 popcorn kernels samples, while ochratoxin A was detected in 4 maize flours and 10 popcorn samples. Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A was found in the 4 ochratoxin-positive maize flour samples. Citrinin and zearalenone were not detected. This is the first report of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A contamination in maize flours and popcorn kernels commercialized in Spain.

Presence and co-occurrence of aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins and zearalenone in gluten-free and ethnic foods

The mycotoxins aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEA) are produced by fungal species can contaminate cereal-based food and therefore can be found alone or simultaneously in cereal-based commodities. The objectives of this study were, to study the occurrence of AFs, DON, FBs and ZEA in ethnic and gluten-free food samples from Lleida (Spain), and also to assess the exposure of immigrant and celiac population to the selected mycotoxins. Ethnic food and gluten-free samples were purchased in specialized grocery stores from Lleida (Spain). Mycotoxins were extracted and purified from the samples using immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) columns. Determination and quantification of AFs, ZEA and FBs was performed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector, and coupled to absorbance detector in case of DON. The results showed that FBs were widely found in corn-based foods purchased from special shops specialized on imported foods. DON was mainly found in cuscus and several corn-based ethnic foods. Several gluten-free food samples were contaminated by FBs (6 out of 18) and DON (2 out 18), while AFs and ZEA only were found in 6 ethnic foods samples. Considering these results, these special commodities should not be a health concern for these collectives; however, special attention should be focused on bulk imported foods distributed in special retail shops.