Aflatoxin Content Research Articles

Sustainable Processes and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Artisanal Spontaneous Gluten Free Sourdough (Quinoa, Amaranth and Brown Rice) Compared to Wheat Sourdough

The industry predominantly depends on synthetic or artificial additives, occasionally permitting the inclusion of natural molecules sourced from plants or replicated from their original counterparts. The production of bakery products increasingly uses sourdough to improve the quality of bread or to obtain “clean label” products (free of artificial additives). The additive production sector contributes to this concern through the synthesis of potentially harmful compounds, the utilization of hazardous chemicals and solvents, the management of resulting by-products, and reliance on non-renewable resources for manufacturing. One percent of the world’s population suffers from celiac disease. Celiac disease is treated by excluding gluten from the diet. Most gluten-free bakery products have low nutritional and sensory quality. Therefore, sourdough is being used to replace chemical yeast to improve the sensory and nutritional quality and increase the shelf life of gluten-free bakery products. Three gluten-free sourdoughs were prepared with different flours: brown rice, quinoa and amaranth, in order to compare them with traditional sourdough (wheat) and optimize the most suitable temperature for the conservation of sourdoughs. Physicochemical analysis (pH, titratable acidity and color), antioxidant activity (FRAP, ORAC and ABTS), total phenolic compound content (Folin–Ciocalteu), total aflatoxin content, lactic and acetic acid content and microbiological analysis (mold and yeast content and bacterial and fungal composition (microbiota composition)) were carried out during the elaboration process and at different storage temperatures. A higher microbiological quantity of molds and yeasts (7.97 log CFU/mL), non-Saccharomyces yeasts (7.78 log CFU/mL) and lactic acid bacteria (8.10 log CFU/mL) and fungal composition were observed in the amaranth sourdough. The wheat sourdough obtained a higher total content of phenolic compounds (33.03 mg GAE g−1) and antioxidant capacity in ABTS and FRAP, but the quinoa sourdough had the highest ORAC content. In addition, it was observed that the adequate temperature for the conservation of the doughs is 25 °C, due to the predominance of Lactobacillus spp. and Pediococcus spp. bacteria in the sourdough. Therefore, pseudocereal sourdoughs (quinoa and amaranth) could be an alternative to incorporate into the preparation of gluten-free bread, since their microbial composition, physicochemical composition, antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds would contribute to gluten-free bread and thus produce health benefits for people with celiac disease.

FT-IR Characterization and Determination of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins) (AF’s) from Branded & Unbranded Mixed Spice Samples

Background: The global spice market is essential to food industry and public health due to the widespread use of spices as flavor enhancers, preservatives, and medicinal components. However, the quality of spices can be compromised by the presence of mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins, which pose significant health risks. Ensuring the quality and safety of spices, both branded and unbranded, is of paramount concern, especially in regions with high humidity and temperature that can facilitate fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of branded and unbranded spice samples from Sindh, Pakistan, by determining their ash content, moisture level, oil composition, and mycotoxin (aflatoxin) content to ensure their suitability for consumption and adherence to food safety standards. Methods: A total of ten spice samples (five branded and five unbranded) were collected from different cities in Sindh province, Pakistan. Ash content was measured by high-temperature oxidation, while moisture content was quantified through oven drying. Oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, and its quality parameters, including free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide, iodine, and saponification values, were determined using standard AOCS methods. Aflatoxins were quantified by employing an official AOAC method. Additionally, FT-IR spectroscopy was utilized for qualitative analysis of the spice oils. Results: The ash content varied widely, with the highest in unbranded samples at 18.33% and the lowest in branded at 5.67%. Moisture content across all samples was within the safe limit of 5-10%, with the highest at 4.46% and the lowest at 2.22%. The oil content ranged from 5.96% to 14.56%, with unbranded samples showing higher values. FFA values exceeded the standard 0.1% in all samples, indicating a potential quality concern. Peroxide values were higher than the standard 2 meq/mol in most samples, raising concerns about oxidative stability. Aflatoxin levels were within the EU regulatory limits, suggesting acceptable levels for consumption. FT-IR analysis corroborated these findings, revealing no significant differences in the spectral profiles between branded and unbranded samples. Conclusion: The study concluded that while moisture content and aflatoxin levels in the spice samples complied with safety standards, there were notable concerns regarding the ash content, oil quality, and peroxide values. These findings highlight the necessity for regular quality control measures and adherence to food safety regulations to ensure the safety of spice consumption.

Preharvest insect pests of peanuts and associated aflatoxin contaminants in Georgia, USA.

On-farm losses of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.,Fabales: Fabaceae) pose a persistent threat to the sustainable production and value of peanuts in the United States. This study presents empirical data on the spatial distribution of subterranean insect pests and various quality aspects of peanuts. Surveys were conducted in 20 randomly selected peanut fields in 10 counties in Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest Georgia. The primary insect pests found in Georgia's peanut production counties were Pangaeus bilineatus (Say), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), and Diabrotica undecimpunctata Howardi. In the northeast counties, a high prevalence of P. bilineatus led to a significant increase in insect-damaged pods (%IDP), insect-damaged kernels (%IDK), discolored kernels (%DK), pod weight loss (%PWL), and kernel weight loss (%KWL). Similarly, southeast counties had a high %DK, cracked pods (%CP), and E. lignosellus infestation. In southwest counties, predominantly high D. undecimpunctata infestations resulted in the highest %IDP. Moisture content (%MC) was excessively high in all the counties (22.19%-23.17%). Preharvest aflatoxin contamination in peanuts was prevalent across all studied locations, particularly in counties with a high incidence of P. bilineatus and may cause increased risk in aflatoxin levels along the supply chain. Nevertheless, the diverse regional abundance of insect pests and the widespread presence of aflatoxins in Georgia's peanut fields offer valuable insights for developing integrated pest management strategies targeting subterranean insect pests. This is especially crucial in addressing the impact of P. bilineatus, E. lignosellus, and D. undecimpunctata on aflatoxins content of peanuts and determining the pathway for mitigation of aflatoxin contaminations in peanuts at harvest.

Prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in bovine feed and feed components: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and identified as contaminants in animal feed. They have potentially harmful effects, including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and repro-toxicity in animals and humans. As a result of climate change, there is the potential for a change in the prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed components. This necessitates an assessment of the present and emerging threats to the food supply chain from mycotoxins. This systematic review and meta-analysis study synthesised studies on mycotoxin contamination and prevalence in cattle feed components. The studies were collected from scientific databases Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Embase between 2011 and 2022. The meta-analysis synthesised 97 studies on the prevalence and the concentration of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin and T-2/HT-2 toxins in feed components. Aflatoxin was highly prevalent (59 %), with a concentration of 2.58–3.92 μg kg−1 in feed components. Ochratoxin A had a global prevalence of 31 % with a concentration of 5.56–12.41 μg kg−1. Deoxynivalenol had a global concentration of 233.17–327.73 μg kg−1 and a prevalence of 74 %. Zearalenone had a prevalence of 70 % and a concentration of 42.47–66.19 μg kg−1. The concentration and prevalence of fumonisins was 232.19–393.07 μg kg−1 and 65 %, respectively. The prevalence and concentration of T-2/HT-2 toxins were 45 % and 23.54–35.12 μg kg−1, respectively. The synthesised concentration of the mycotoxins in the overall feed components was lower than the regulated and guidance values set by the European Union. However, in a few cases, the 95th percentile exceeded these concentration values due to high levels of uncertainty attributed to lower sample size, and thus, need to be considered while conducting risk assessments. The study highlights climates and regions likely to be conducive to the emergence of mycotoxin risk, especially considering the potential influences of climate change.

A smartphone-enabled visual platform for detecting aflatoxins in peanut oil using colorimetric analysis coupled with magnetic imprinted solid-phase extraction

The study aimed to develop a rapid and sensitive colorimetric platform based on the Emerson reaction to visualize and determine total aflatoxins (AFs) in peanut oil. This method offers the advantage of fast screening for AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), eliminating the need for specific antibodies. The proposed approach combined colorimetric detection with magnetic dummy imprinted solid-phase extraction and purification, enhancing sensitivity and selectivity. The oxidizer aided the colorless AFs in reacting with 4-aminoantipyrine, producing green condensates. Thus, a dual-mode approach was developed for AFs detection, employing both UV–vis colorimetric and smartphone-based colorimetry. Both methods showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of AFs. Notably, the smartphone-based method demonstrated a detection range of 0.5–57 μg/kg, with a detection limit as low as 0.21 μg/kg. The suggested colorimetric methods present a promising potential for onsite detection and fast screening of AFs in actual samples.

A Study on Aflatoxin Content in Urad Dal Flour in India

Abstract: Black gram is commonly known as black lentils, mungo beans, and matpe beans and is scientifically called the Vigna Mungo. Black gram has its origin in India, being the world's largest producer as well as consumerand locally called as Urad. It is one of the most vital varieties of pulse in the Indian subcontinent, and has a lot of nutrients in Urad Dal powder. Mycotoxins are of various types, among with aflatoxin is more popular due to their stability varying ambient temperatures and pH conditions, aflatoxins can build up in food at any point along the supply chain. Aflatoxins can cause liver necrosis, bile duct proliferation, edema or lethargy. There are no reports regarding the level of Aflatoxin content in Urad Dal Flour. The objectives of this study was to determine the concentrations of Aflatoxin B1 in Urad Dal Flour collected from various parts of India and also to assess whether the urad Flour were safe for human consumption. Out of 21 samples of Urad Dal Flour analysed for Aflatoxin, all samples were found to be free from Aflatoxin i.e aflatoxin content was Below detection limit. As per FSSAI, the maximum permissible limit for Aflatoxin is 30 ppb. The study showed that the Urad Dal Flour samples collected from various regions of India were found to contain aflatoxin within the permissible limit and are safe for human consumption

First Results on the Presence of Mycotoxins in the Liver of Pregnant Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Hinds and Fetuses.

Reproductive abnormalities have been observed in fallow deer populations in Hungary. We supposed mycotoxin contamination to be one of the possible causes because multi-mycotoxin contamination is known to be dangerous even at low toxin levels, especially for young animals. We investigated the spatial pattern of mycotoxin occurrences and the relationship between maternal and fetal mycotoxin levels. A total of 72 fallow deer embryos and their mothers were sampled in seven forested regions in Hungary in the 2020/2021 hunting season. We analyzed Aflatoxin (AF), Zearalenone (ZEA), Fumonizin B1 (FB1), DON, and T2-toxin concentrations in maternal and fetal livers by ELISA. AF was present in 70% and 82%, ZEA in 41% and 96%, DON in 90% and 98%, T2-toxin in 96% and 85%, and FB1 in 84% and 3% of hind and fetus livers, respectively. All mycotoxins passed into the fetus, but only Fumonizin B1 rarely passed. The individual variability of mycotoxin levels was extremely high, but the spatial differences were moderate. We could not prove a relation between the maternal and fetal mycotoxin concentrations, but we found an accumulation of ZEA and DON in the fetuses. These results reflect the possible threats of mycotoxins to the population dynamics and reproduction of wild fallow deer.

Seasonal variation of mycotoxin levels in poultry feeds and feed ingredients in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Mycotoxins pose a major problem to poultry production as a result of feed contamination which has deleterious consequences such as production losses and human health risks. A total of 158 chicken feed samples were randomly collected from 46 consenting poultry farms in Oyo State throughout the wet season (April-October; 91 samples) and the dry season (November-March; 67 samples), including compounded feed (n = 129) and feed ingredients (n = 29). Samples were promptly transported to the laboratory in sterile plastic vials for lateral flow assay for mycotoxins using six different commercial mycotoxin test kits each for aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, fumonisin, and T-2 toxin/HT-2 toxin. Summary values of mycotoxin levels (µg/kg) in the feedstuffs were represented as frequency or median (and range). Fisher exact or Mann-Whitney U tests were carried out where appropriate at α = 0.05. Every sample contained at least four mycotoxins. Aflatoxins and fumonisin co-occurred in 80% of the samples. Aflatoxin and fumonisin concentrations were above the permissible limits in 32.9% and 18.4% respectively in feedstuff sampled in the dry season while the values were 17.1% and 6.3% respectively during the wet season. Among feed ingredients, peanut cake and maize had the highest median concentration of aflatoxin and fumonisin, respectively. Median aflatoxin concentration in the feedstuff was significantly higher than the permissible limit irrespective of season. There is a need to frequently monitor mycotoxin levels of feed and feed ingredients and improve storage system for feed ingredients in order to reduce the risk associated with high mycotoxin intake in poultry.

Efficacy of atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus from southern China as biocontrol agents against aflatoxin contamination in corn and peanuts

Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous facultative pathogen that routinely infects important crops leading to formation of aflatoxins during crop development and after harvest. Corn and peanuts in warm and/or drought-prone regions are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Controlling aflatoxin using atoxigenic A. flavus is a widely adopted strategy. However, no A. flavus genotypes are currently approved for use in China. The current study aimed to select atoxigenic A. flavus endemic to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with potential as active ingredients of aflatoxin biocontrol products. A total of 204 A. flavus isolates from corn, peanuts, and field soil were evaluated for ability to produce the targeted mycotoxins. Overall, 57.3% could not produce aflatoxins while 17.15% were incapable of producing both aflatoxins and CPA. Atoxigenic germplasm endemic to Guangxi was highly diverse, yielding 8 different gene deletion patterns in the aflatoxin and CPA biosynthesis gene clusters ranging from no deletion to deletion of both clusters. Inoculation of corn and peanuts with both an aflatoxin producer and selected atoxigenic genotypes showed significant reduction (74 to 99%) in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) formation compared with inoculation with the aflatoxin producer alone. Atoxigenic genotypes also efficiently degraded AFB1 (61%). Furthermore, atoxigenic isolates were also highly efficient at reducing aflatoxin concentrations even when present at lower concentrations than aflatoxin producers. The use of multiple atoxigenics was not always as effective as the use of a single atoxigenic. Effective atoxigenic genotypes of A. flavus with known mechanisms of atoxigenicity are demonstrated to be endemic to Southern China. These A. flavus may be utilized as active ingredients of biocontrol products without concern for detrimental impacts that may result from introduction of exotic fungi. Field efficacy trials in the agroecosystems of Southern China are needed to determine the extent to which such products may allow the production of safer food and feed.

Evaluation of rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) data for mycotoxin contaminated dried figs originating from Türkiye

In this study, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database was analysed to assess mycotoxin hazards in Turkish dried figs during the production years from 2002 to 2019. A comprehensive evaluation of influencing factors, such as weather conditions, agricultural and processing practices, as well as non-product related elements such as export quantities and regulatory changes, was carried out while analysing yearly and monthly notification trends. Years marked by drought conditions recorded the highest number of notifications. Notably, the years 2007 and 2012 corresponded with peaks in notifications (104 and 117, respectively), suggesting a potential relationship between drought conditions and increased notifications – a finding supported by existing literature on mycotoxin contamination. The mean total aflatoxin (AF) concentrations ranged from 13 μg/kg to 44 μg/kg. However, the considerable variability in the annual number of notifications (ranging from 2 to 106) and the presence of outliers in certain years limit the usefulness of mean total AF concentration data for trend analysis. Weather-related factors, along with agricultural practices, processing and storage conditions, can influence mycotoxin contamination of dried figs, highlighting the need for integrated and comprehensive control strategies. The observed correlation between specific weather conditions, such as drought, and RASFF notifications, and, consequently, mycotoxin contamination, warrants further exploration to better understand and predict this relationship. This study significantly contributes to the mycotoxin literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of mycotoxin hazards in Turkish dried figs. By examining the complex interplay of factors, from weather conditions to agricultural and processing practices and changes in export quantities and regulations, it addresses a crucial gap in the current understanding of mycotoxin risks and offers insights on the historical evolution of safety protocols within Turkish dried fig production. It thus provides a solid foundation for improving food safety practices and developing more effective policy frameworks.

Determination and risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in the kernel of imported raw hazelnuts from Eastern Azerbaijan Province of Iran

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widespread and seriously threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate AFB1 in imported hazelnut samples in northwest of Iran (Eastern Azerbaijan Province) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD). In all tested samples AFB1 was detected. The mean concentration of AFB1 was 4.20 μg/kg and ranged from 3.145 to 8.13 μg/kg. All samples contained AFB1 levels within the maximum acceptable limit except for one sample. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment of AFB1 from consuming imported hazelnuts by Iranian children and adults was evaluated based on the margin of exposure (MoE) and quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. The MoE mean for children was 2529.76, while for adults, it was 8854.16, indicating a public health concern. The present study found that the risk of developing liver cancer among Iranian children was 0.11100736 per 100,000 people, and in the Iranian adult population was 0.0314496 cancers per 100,000 people. Since environmental conditions potentially affect aflatoxin levels in nuts, countries are advised to monitor aflatoxin contents in imported nuts, especially from countries with a conducive climate for mold growth.

Rapid, efficient, and accurate determination of aflatoxins and capsaicinoids in vegetable oils by immunomagnetic sorbents coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS

AbstractA fast, simple, and sensitive analytic method was proposed for the simultaneous quantification of aflatoxins (AFTs) and capsaicinoids in vegetable oils by immunomagnetic sorbent coupled with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The immunomagnetic solid phase extraction (IMSPE) sorbents were synthesized with the monoclonal antibodies via cyanogen bromide magnetic sorbents, which could modify the surface magnetic sorbents under mild synthetic condition. The IMSPE procedure had the following aspects such as ease manipulation, easy disperse, quick isolation, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective. The major conditions of IMSPE procedure were systemically studied, and the optimized pretreatment was accomplished in 15 min avoding complicated condition or sophisticated equipment. Excellent linearities were achieved by the correlation (R2) more than 0.9983. The limits of quantifications of all analytes ranged from 0.03 to 0.20 µg kg−1, and the recoveries were satisfactory ranging from 75.7% to 124.0% with the intra‐day and inter‐day precisions less than 10.1%. Additionally, the proposed method was used to analyze AFTs and capsaicinoids in retail oil samples. Overall, 25% of soybean and peanut oils and 12.5% of corn and blended oil were detected with AFTs, and no capsaicinoid was found. The content of AFTs was under the MRLs set by EU and China regulation for food quality and safety. The validated results indicated that this method could be utilized for a rapid, efficient, and accurate quantification of AFTs and capsaicinoids in complex lipid‐based matrix.

Assessment of Total Aflatoxin Content in Dry Fruits Samples Collected from Local Markets of Lahore, Pakistan

Assessment of Total Aflatoxin Content in Dry Fruits Samples Collected from Local Markets of Lahore, Pakistan

Investigation of Aflatoxin Content Using HPLC to Ensure the Sustainability of Rice Products in Jakarta City, Indonesia

Investigation of Aflatoxin Content Using HPLC to Ensure the Sustainability of Rice Products in Jakarta City, Indonesia

Mycoflora, mycotoxin, proximate and mineral composition of selected sachet tomato paste

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is highly popular fruit crop grown and consumed by people across the globe. The worldwide production of tomato is very high. Tomato is a wonder fruit fortified with health promoting phyto-chemicals that are beneficial in preventing important chronic degeneration disorder. Tomato are good source of vitamins and minerals also. Tomato can make people healthier and decrease the risk of condition such as cancer osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, these important staple vegetables (tomato) are highly perishable and deteriorate few days after harvest, losing almost all their required qualities and in some cases, resulting into total wastage of the harvest tomatoes. Hence the need to preserve it in forms of concenterates such as tomato paste. This work therefore aims at assessing the probable mycoflora, mycotoxin, proximate and mineral composition of sachet tomato paste. In this study, twenty samples (20) of different brands of sachet tomato paste were purchased within Ibadan. Isolation, identification of fungi, proximate and mineral composition of the paste were done using standard methods while aflatoxin content of the samples was done using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA). The result revealed the occurrence of fungi in the genus Aspergillus, Fuasrium, Penicillium and Neurospora. The moisture content ranged from 68-755, ash 1.1-3.60, crude fiber 0.47-2.45, crude protein 1.98-4.52, fat 0.04-0.80 and carbohydrate ranged from 16.9-20.87. sodium ranged from 78-107 mg/100, potassium ranged from 123-169, calcium ranged from 35-38 mg/100, magnesium ranged from 0.57-1.21 and iron ranged from 3.88-6.9. Aflatoxin content ranged from 3 -29 ppb. Hence, a strong check and monitoring needs to be put in place by food regulatory agency such as to reduce or totally eliminate the aflatoxins contamination.

Morphed aflaxotin concentration produced by Aspergillus flavus strain VKMN22 on maize grains inoculated on agar culture

This study identified and monitored the levels of aflatoxins (B1 and B2) produced by Aspergillus flavus isolate VKMN22 (OP355447) in maize samples sourced from a local shop in Johannesburg, South Africa. Maize samples underwent controlled incubation after initial rinsing, and isolates were identified through morphological and molecular methods. In another experiment, autoclaved maize grains were intentionally re-inoculated with the identified fungal isolate using spore suspension (106 spore/mL), after which 1 g of the contaminated maize sample was inoculated on PDA media and cultured for seven days. The aflatoxin concentrations in the A. flavus contaminated maize inoculated on culture media was monitored over seven weeks and then measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Results confirmed the successful isolation of A. flavus strain VKMN22 with accession number OP355447, which consistently produced higher levels of AFB1 compared to AFB2. AF concentrations increased from week one to five, then declined in week six and seven. AFB1 levels ranged from 594.3 to 9295.33 µg/kg (week 1–5) and then reduced from 5719.67 to 2005 µg/kg in week six and seven), while AFB2 levels ranged from 4.92 to 901.67 µg/kg (weeks 1–5) and then degraded to 184 µg/kg in week six then 55.33 µg/kg (weeks 6–7). Levene's tests confirmed significantly higher mean concentrations of AFB1 compared to AFB2 (p ≤ 0.005). The study emphasizes the importance of consistent biomonitoring for a dynamic understanding of AF contamination, informing accurate prevention and control strategies in agricultural commodities thereby safeguarding food safety.

Evaluation of aflatoxin content in “Cheka” (traditional beverage in South-Western Ethiopia) and its major ingredient (maize)

BackgroundAflatoxin is a toxic cancerous fungal secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus species. Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated cereals and their products can cause several health-related effects including acute and chronic aflatoxicosis. This study aims to evaluate the total aflatoxin content in “Cheka” and its major ingredients using the Immuno-Affinity Column Clean-up technique by sensitive HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) with fluorescence detection.MethodsThis study followed a completely randomized experimental design to evaluate the level of aflatoxin in traditionally brewed “Cheka” and its major ingredients (maize) by HPLC from November 2019 to June 2020. Traditionally brewed 6 “Cheka” beverages and 6 maize seed samples were collected randomly from Konso and transported to Bless Agri Food Laboratory in Addis Ababa for laboratory evaluation of aflatoxin in samples. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 25.ResultsIn the present study aflatoxin contamination was detected in all maize and “Cheka” samples. A mean total aflatoxin level of 6.78 ± 8.28 μg/kg and 10.76 ± 4.50 μg/kg were observed in maize and “Cheka” samples respectively. The maize taken from above-ground storage (“Gotera”) and underground storage (pitfall) showed a mean total aflatoxin level of 10.23 ± 10.12 μg/kg and 3.35 ± 5.79 μg/kg respectively. The samples taken from “Cheka” prepared from maize of above-ground storage (“Gotera”) and underground storage (pitfall) showed a mean total aflatoxin level of 11.34 ± 3.06 μg/kg and 10.19 ± 6.35 μg/kg respectively. Aflatoxin G family was not detected in both maize and “Cheka” samples while aflatoxin B1 and B2 contributed to the total aflatoxin level. AFB1 predominantly contributed to the contamination of all samples. Although there was no significant difference while comparing between mean total aflatoxin of any other sample types, a significant difference was observed for the AFB1 mean level of pitfall maize and their respective “Cheka” samples (P = 0.033).ConclusionThe mean level of AFB1 in pitfall maize differs from a respective “Cheka” sample. As most of the samples evaluated for aflatoxin contamination showed levels above healthy cut-off points of aflatoxin set by different authorities like the European Union, CODEX, and Ethiopian Standards Agency, there must be a protracted interventional approach to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize and its products in the region.

The impact of fullerenol nanoparticles on the growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins production in vitro and in corn flour.

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) were investigated on Aspergillus flavus growth isolated from a real food sample and aflatoxins (AFs) (AFB1 and AFB2 ) production. The final FNPs concentrations in in vitro and in commercial corn flour after the stationary incubation period of 7 and 14 days were in the range 0.16-80µg/mL and 0.16-80µg/g, respectively. Nanocharacterization of FNPs revealed an average size of 5-20nm and a zeta potential of -35mV. The highest degree of A. flavus mycelium growth inhibition (28%) after 7 days was observed for applied FNP concentration of 8.0µg/mL, while after 14 days FNP concentration of 0.32µg/mL led to the maximal inhibition of A. flavus mycelium growth (36%). Spearman's correlations analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between AFB1 and AFB2 concentrations in YES broth after 7 (R=0.994, p<0.05) and 14 days (R=0.976), as well as between AFs concentrations and A. flavus mycelium mass after 7 (R=0.786 for AFB1 and R=0.766 for AFB2 ) and 14 days (R=0.810 for AFB1 and R=0.833 for AFB2 ). Paired samples t-test showed the existence of a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the produced AFs concentrations after the incubation of 7 and 14 days. Regarding the artificially inoculated corn flour the lower applied FNP concentrations (0.16-0.8µg/g) achieved a reduction of AFB1 up to 42% and 60% after 7 and 14 days, respectively.

Impact of conservation farming practices on Aspergillus population density, peanut aflatoxin level, and exposure risk in Zambia

Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) by aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. is a serious problem worldwide affecting human health and restricting trade. Recently, conservation agriculture practices such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, soil surface cover, intercropping, and planting in basins alongside trees that enhance soil fertility, have been introduced in Zambia as tools to conserve soil moisture, increase peanut yield, and reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination. However, a limited understanding exists of the impact of conservation agriculture on Aspergillus population densities in the soil and aflatoxin concentrations in crops grown under conservation agriculture. This study assessed the impact of conservation agriculture on (i) Aspergillus communities profile in soil cropped to peanuts, (ii) peanut aflatoxin contamination levels, and (iii) influences of the practices on liver cancer risks as a result of consuming peanuts grown in basins, peanuts grown in basins in farms having Gliricidia sepium trees (agroforestry), and peanuts grown on ridges (conventional tillage). Densities of Aspergillus spp. in soils ranged from 10 to 7,400 CFU/g (mean = 295 CFU/g). The densities differed among farming techniques (p = 0.0011) with conventional tillage (357 CFU/g) supporting higher densities than agroforestry (296 CFU/g) and peanuts grown in basins (230 CFU/g). Aspergillus communities were dominated by fungi with S morphology (55%; which is composed of several morphologically similar species), followed by A. parasiticus (34%), and the L morphotype of A. flavus (11%). Over 60% of the peanut samples were contaminated but there were no differences among farming techniques. Mean aflatoxin contents in peanuts were 110, 99, and 87, μg/kg for agroforestry, conventional tillage, and peanuts grown in basins, respectively. Probable daily aflatoxin intake ranged from 12.7 to 767.1 ng/kg body weight/d, depending on the age of consumers. The estimated liver cancer risk due to consumption of raw peanuts (0.334 to 20.128 cases/100,000 persons/year) was highest among children below 5 years and least for young adults. The results showed that growing peanuts in basins has the potential to reduce Aspergillus populations in soil. Possibly, planting in basins and agroforestry had minimal effect on water runoff and did not support sufficient moisture retention in the soil to reduce Aspergillus spp. densities and aflatoxin accumulation in the peanuts. Thus, more research is needed to improve the effectiveness of peanut cultivation in basins in shaping the Aspergillus species profiles for ultimately reducing aflatoxin in peanuts to safe levels. Given the high exposure of Zambia’s population, especially children, and that contaminated food is the major source of exposure, it is essential that appropriate technical, policy and institutional measures are promoted for aflatoxin mitigation in Zambia.

Effect of different roasting conditions on the physicochemical properties, acrylamide concentration, and mineral bioaccessibility of nuts

The effect of different roasting conditions (temperature and time) on the physico-chemical properties, aflatoxin and acrylamide contents, and mineral bioaccessibility (BA) of different nuts (almond, hazelnut, cashew, roasted chickpea (leblebi)) was investigated. Moisture content and water activity of all nuts decreased with roasting. A crispier texture was obtained in all nuts due to the decreased hardness and brittleness after roasting. A significant decrease in L* values of all nuts was accompanied by visible darkening. Although roasting affected a* and b* values of nut samples, the differences depended on nut type. No aflatoxin was detected in control nuts. Acrylamide concentration was increased as the nuts darkened. Highest acrylamide contents (ppb) were found in the darkest samples of cashew (148.59), chickpea (148.63), almond (120.25), and hazelnut (67.33). Considering mineral contents, highest concentrations (ppm) of Ca (2518.97), P (8340.68), and K (13902.70) were found in almonds, Ag (1.51), Mn (88.68), and Se (5.60) in hazelnuts, Cu (6.99), Fe (107.53), Mg (1813.26), and Na (1139.09) in cashews, and Zn (177.57) in chickpeas. Although the mineral content of chickpea was generally lower than other nuts, it showed the highest BA for Ca (38.8 %), Zn (38.2 %), P, (37.3 %) Se (41.8 %), and K (39.8 %), while the highest BA of Fe (21.4 %), Mg (46.8 %) and Mn (48.5 %) was observed in almonds and cashews, respectively. The roasting process generally decreased the BA values of minerals. As a conclusion, since the roasting conditions and food matrix have a direct effect on the absorbed amount of minerals, a product-based evaluation is crucial.