High Levels Of Aflatoxins Research Articles

Maize grains treatments for total aflatoxin reduction for use as human food and livestock feed

Abstract Maize is prone to aflatoxin contamination prevailing in the high-risk regions in Kenya, where maize is rendered unfit for uses as food and feed. The objective of the study was to identify strategies that can be used to decontaminate aflatoxin in contaminated maize. Therefore, an experiment was conducted using maize from Kilifi contaminated with aflatoxin soaked in different solutions, done as single and combined treatments. Maize grains were used in portions of 250 g for the mitigation experiments and placed in conical flasks of 1 litre capacity and treatment application done. All the treatments were compared to the control with no treatment applied and set to 100%. The results revealed that, aflatoxin was reduced by 78.9% by soaking maize kernels in distilled water for 24 h under a single treatment. Soaking in aqueous ammonia for 24 h reduced aflatoxin by 68.1%. Soaking grains in sodium bisulphite for 24 h reduced by 59.3% and citric acid by 38.8%. The combination of sorting and aqueous ammonia was most effective with 90.8% aflatoxin reduction. The combination of sorting and sodium bisulphite lowered the levels to 72.9%, while citric acid and dehulling were 55.3% effective. Aflatoxin reduction methods to levels that are within the allowable limits of 10 μg/kg and 20 μg/kg will enable grains to be used as human food and livestock feed, respectively. Therefore, effective methods should be adopted by farmers to put maize to good use for human food and livestock feed instead of throwing away or using it with the high levels of aflatoxin.

Effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure on growth and morbidity of infants 0 to 3 months

Aflatoxin exposure has been implicated in adverse human health outcomes in areas where the toxin is prevalent in foods [1]. Consequently, many people may be chronically exposed to large amounts of the toxin worldwide. The effect of aflatoxin exposure is felt more in developing countries and this may be attributed to high levels of malnutrition coupled with chronic exposure to high levels of the toxin in their diets [2]. Consumption of high levels of aflatoxins has been associated with aflatoxicosis resulting in death, while chronic dietary exposure to aflatoxins is associated with liver and other cancers and poor growth outcomes in young children [3]. Exposure of infants to aflatoxins may be detrimental to their normal growth and other aspects of health later in life. Early linear growth retardation is associated with poor cognitive development, reduced physical productivity, a greater risk of poor pregnancy outcomes later in life, including low birth weight babies and a greater risk of obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes and hypertension later in life [3]. Therefore, protection of fetuses, infants and young children from the effects of aflatoxins through maternal exposure would not only reduce the risk of them not realizing their cognitive potential, but also contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases whose prevalence is on the rise, not just in developed countries, but also in developing countries.

Mycotoxin detection in selected medicinal plants using chromatographic techniques.

Mycotoxins are toxic mycological products that when consumed, absorbed or inhaled cause sickness or even the death of humans. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the contamination levels of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, AFB1 , AFB2 , AFG1 , AFG2 , and ochratoxin A, OTA) in selected medicinal herbs and shrubs using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 15 samples of medicinal herbs and shrubs were selected. Among them, four samples were aflatoxin contaminated while two samples were ochratoxin A contaminated. The highest level of aflatoxin was detected in Justicia adhathoda (4,704.94 ppb) through HPLC (153.4ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level of aflatoxin was detected in Pegnum harmala (205.1ppb) through HPLC. Similarly, the highest level of OTA was detected in Dodonia viscosa (0.53 ppb) through HPLC (0.5ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level was detected in J. adhathoda (O.11 ppb) through HPLC (0.4ppb) and through TLC. The OTA concentration was very low, being negligible and below permissible limits. The present study concludes that there is a potential risk for the consumption of herbal decoctions. Therefore, regular monitoring and proper management of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins and OTA, in herbal medicines are needed to ensure the safety of herbal drugs to protect consumers.

Deciphering the Microbiological Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Different Storage Conditions on Rice Grain Quality.

Different storage conditions can influence microbial community structure and metabolic functions, affecting rice grains' quality. However, the microbiological mechanisms by which different storage conditions affect the quality of rice grains are not yet well understood. This study monitored the quality (the content of starch, protein, etc.) and microbial community structure of rice grains stored under different storage conditions with nitrogen gas atmosphere (RA: normal temperature, horizontal ventilation, RB: normal temperature, vertical ventilation, RC: quasi-low temperature, horizontal ventilation). The results revealed that the rice grains stored under condition RB exhibited significantly lower quality compared to condition RA and RC. In addition, under this condition, the highest relative abundance of Aspergillus (16.0%) and Penicillium (0.4%) and the highest levels of aflatoxin A (3.77 ± 0.07 μg/kg) and ochratoxin B1 (3.19 ± 0.05 μg/kg) were detected, which suggested a higher risk of fungal toxin contamination. Finally, co-occurrence network analysis was performed, and the results revealed that butyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with Moesziomyces and Alternaria. These findings will contribute to the knowledge base of rice storage management and guide the development of effective control measures against undesirable microbial activities.

Evaluation of the Total Aflatoxin Level in Certain Cereals and Legumes Highly Consumed in Mali

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) reaffirmed lofty and ambitious goals on seven main issues. Similarly, the Consolidated Action Plan for Africa (CAAP) has set priority science and technology projects. The achievement of an essential objective; common to both, namely: "Agriculture and food security", will strongly depend on the good knowledge and sustainable use of biological diversity, particularly microbial. Mali depends largely on agriculture and needs an annual growth of 6% or more in this sector to achieve sustainable development in general. However, the contamination of cereals and legumes essential to reduce food insecurity in Africa, aggravated by the proliferation of toxigenic fungi, constitutes a main constraint to the supply of healthy foods. However, in order to optimally target and implement these options, it is imperative that mycotoxin contamination is quantified and mapped. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) representative samples (1-2 kg per sample) were collected from different markets in Koutiala, S?gou, Bamako and Koulikoro in 2018 and 2020 to determine their fungal flora, the natural incidence of mycotoxins. All samples analyzed were contaminated with fungi, in the range of 1.2.105 to 33.5.105 CFU/g. SAS software was used for all analyzes and differences were considered significant when p&lt;0.05. All cereals analyzed contain aflatoxins. Because of the high consumption and high levels of aflatoxins in beans and maize in the samples analyzed, we suggest periodic monitoring and the application of Hazard Analysis and Control (HACCP) prevention and control of mycotoxins in the production and industry of human food in Mali.

WITHDRAWN: Detection and isolation of aflatoxin producing Aspergillus sp. in chewing and smokeless tobacco by microbial and molecular methods

Tobacco contains many harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens that cause serious health hazards. Mycotoxins and aflatoxins are present in all forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Using microbial and molecular techniques, we identified and isolated the aflatoxins-producing fungus Aspergillus species. 50 samples were collected randomly and grown on SDA media by spread plate method. Aspergillus flavus isolates were tested for aflatoxin production using ammonia vapour test. Additionally, their DNA was extracted and utilized for molecular identification. Different fungal genera were observed, including the most commonly found Aspergillus as well as Penicillium, Rhizopus, Candida and Trichophyton. The isolated Aspergillus flavus was characterized by its soft, velvety white surface. The colony diameter ranged from 50 to 70 mm. When exposed to UV light at 365 nm on coconut agar medium, blue-green fluorescence was observed on the reverse side of the colonies. Further, the DNA extracted from all aflatoxin-producing strains was quantified. The study revealed high levels of aflatoxin in 10 different samples, while the remaining samples showed a lower range. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques for the detection of aflatoxin-producing fungi. Notably, aflR and aflS were identified as potential candidates for the detection of aflatoxigenic fungi.

Study of Aflatoxin Content and Bacteriological Assay of Garri Collected From Ado–Ekiti in Ekiti State

Introduction: The majority of people in Nigeria consume Garri, as it is known there. It can be consumed by mixing it with cold water, sugar, or milk to make a snack, or by reconstituting it with hot water to make a thick paste that can be eaten with soup or stew. However, the lack of standardization in production and handling procedures has led to a product with a range of quality and safety indices.&#x0D; Aims: This study examined the level of microbiological contamination, the presence of aflatoxin, and its dispersion in Garri procured in Ado-Ekiti.&#x0D; Methodology: Altogether 14 samples were collected into sterile ziplock bags. The isolation of fungi was carried out using the direct plating method.&#x0D; Results: The result showed six (6) genera of fungi viz: Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Fusarium spp., Mucor spp., and Yeast. The bacteria isolated and identified from the samples include; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The presence of these organisms pose risk to both Human and Animals. These were analyzed for aflatoxin content using standard procedures. Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) was detected in varying concentrations ranging from 13ppm-259ppm while the concentration of aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) was between 3ppm-16ppm. The concentration of Aflatoxin G1 and G2 were zero.&#x0D; Conclusion: High levels of aflatoxins pose a great risk to human health. It is hereby recommended to implement steps like prioritizing sanitation in the state to protect the lives of the populace. Also, handlers/vendors should be educated on proper handling of food.

Occurrence of aflatoxins in nuts and peanut butter imported to UAE

Nuts are an important food group that contributes to maintaining health; however, they can be a source of exposure to aflatoxins. This study was conducted from 2017 to 2021 to assess the incidence of aflatoxins in nuts and nut products imported to the UAE from 57 countries. Associations between container type and processing technique and aflatoxin levels were also analyzed. A total of 5401 samples of pistachios, peanuts, peanut butter, and mixed nuts were examined using HPLC-FLD analysis in conjunction with immunoaffinity cleanup. In nuts, non-conformity was detected in samples imported from 32 different countries. Mean aflatoxin values for the non-compliant samples ranged from 81.0 to 92.7 μg/kg in pistachios, peanuts, and mixed nuts. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between mean aflatoxin levels in samples of peanut butter (29.3 μg/kg) compared to the other types of nuts. Nuts packed in containers made of fabric material had the highest mean aflatoxin levels of 108.1 μg/kg, while 29.7 μg/kg was the lowest mean level and was detected in nuts packed in glass. Ground samples had the highest aflatoxin levels (158.9 μg/kg) among processed products. This report will be valuable as a reference document in developing approaches to control nut importation and for establishing procedures that prevent food safety risks due to aflatoxin exposure. A need was underlined for the regulating authority to audit companies importing nuts, ensure safe practices are in place, and establish standards to minimize contamination and prevent the need for product rejection at the border.

Molecular and morphological characterization of fungi isolated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Arifah F, Aini LQ, Muhibuddin A. 2023. Molecular and morphological characterization of fungi isolated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 441-453. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) is one of the predominant commodities from Indonesia exported to the EU market. However, it is frequently rejected due to mycotoxin (especially aflatoxin) content exceeding the aflatoxin standard set by the EU. The high levels of aflatoxin were hypothesized to be produced by a toxigenic fungus infecting nutmeg during and after harvest. The study aims to determine and identify fungal contaminants in nutmeg kernels and provide information on the types of mycotoxins produced. Ten fungal morphotypes were isolated from nutmeg kernels collected from North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and were grouped into four genera (Aspergillus, Lasiodiplodia, Rhizopus, and Penicillium) based on morphological characters. Ten fungal morphotypes were identified, i.e., Aspergillus flavus (Groups I and II), A. tamarii (Groups I and II), A. niger, A. aculeatus, A. ochraceus, Lasiodiplodia sp., Rhizopus delemar, and Penicillium sp. Isolates of A. flavus and A. tamarii were divided into two groups based on slight differences in their colony appearances. Molecular identification using homology of 18S rDNA sequences and ITS regions supports morphological identification except for isolates of A. flavus (Groups I and II), Lasiodiplodia sp., and Penicillium sp. These isolates were identified as A. nomiae and A. aflatoxiformans (A. autswikcii), L. theobromae, and P. citrinum. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree showed that isolates from the same species were grouped in the same clade. The L. theobromae was the most dominant type of fungus in the nutmeg kernels (55.61%), followed by A. niger (23.8%) and A. tamarii (10.53%). It is the first report of A. aflatoxiformans or A. autswikcii in nutmeg kernels, and no incidence of L. theobromae in nutmeg kernels from Indonesia previously.

Aflatoxin Susceptible Food Consumption Frequency, Prevalence, and Levels in Household Foodstuffs in Southwestern Uganda

Contamination of household foodstuffs by aflatoxins has been associated with many illnesses, especially hepatocellular cancer and malnutrition. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by fungi, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, usually found in food. Literature concerning the S.W. Ugandan foods that are the main aflatoxicosis route and therefore need most aflatoxin preventive measure is scanty. The current study determined the aflatoxin-susceptible food consumption frequency, prevalence, and levels of aflatoxins in selected foodstuffs in households in S.W. Uganda to establish the main food route of aflatoxicosis. Following a food frequency questionnaire, flour samples of common foodstuffs, namely, groundnuts, maize, millet, and sorghum, were randomly picked from seven districts of Southwest Uganda and analyzed for the presence and levels of aflatoxins using competitive ELISA. On average, maize and groundnut were found to be the most frequently consumed foods (seven times a week) by every family. Groundnuts had the highest mean aflatoxin level (96.5 ± 13.37 μg/kg), ranging from 6.2 to 297.3 μg/kg. Over 90% of the groundnut samples had mean aflatoxin levels greater than 10 μg/kg, the East African regulatory limit. Maize flour had a mean aflatoxin level of 34.1 ± 14.1 μg/kg, with one sample registering 336.5 μg/kg. This study found that groundnuts were the main food-route for aflatoxicosis followed by maize flour. In addition, the study re-affirmed the high prevalence and levels of aflatoxins in common food stuff in households in S.W. Uganda reported by previous studies. This study recommends further studies to elucidate its association with the observed recent increase in diseases like hepatocellular cancer and malnutrition in the region.

Microbial and Fungal Contamination of Staple Foods in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Special Attention to High Aflatoxin Risk

Background: Microbial and fungal contamination of agricultural produce has been a health challenge over the years. The present study surveyed microbial and aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, maize, and cowpea collected from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: Ninety samples of maize, groundnut, and cowpea were purchased from six major markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The samples were first examined for insect pest infestation, then Moisture Content (MC), microbial, and aflatoxin contamination. Characterization of bacterial isolates was determined based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0&#x0D; Results: Data showed that 50% of groundnut samples and 33.33% of maize samples had total aflatoxins levels above World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits of 0.5-15 µg/kg. MC for groundnut, maize, and cowpea samples significantly ranged from 2.48-5.55%, 9.00-11.25%, and 9.50-12.48%, respectively. The mean bacterial count for groundnut, maize, and cowpea samples ranged from 0.7×108-1.7×108 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g, 0.3×108-1.7×108 CFU/g, and 0.7×108-1.9×108 CFU/g, respectively. Bacterial isolates, including Pseudomonas sp., Streptococcus sp., and Clostridium sp. were isolated from groundnut while Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Proteus sp., and Escherichia coli were isolated from maize and cowpea. Fungal isolates, including Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were isolated from groundnut and maize.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed the health risk exposure of consumers of the assayed staples in Port Harcourt of Nigeria, especially groundnut which had very high aflatoxin levels in most of the markets.

Comprehensive Review of Aflatoxin Contamination, Impact on Health and Food Security, and Management Strategies in Pakistan.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are the most important toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic fungal toxins that routinely contaminate food and feed. While more than 20 AFs have been identified to date, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), G2 (AFG2), and M1 (AFM1) are the most common. Over 25 species of Aspergillus have been shown to produce AFs, with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius being the most important and well-known AF-producing fungi. These ubiquitous molds can propagate on agricultural commodities to produce AFs in fields and during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage. Countries with warmer climates and that produce foods susceptible to AF contamination shoulder a substantial portion of the global AF burden. Pakistan's warm climate promotes the growth of toxigenic fungi, resulting in frequent AF contamination of human foods and animal feeds. The potential for contamination in Pakistan is exacerbated by improper storage conditions and a lack of regulatory limits and enforcement mechanisms. High levels of AFs in common commodities produced in Pakistan are a major food safety problem, posing serious health risks to the population. Furthermore, aflatoxin contamination contributes to economic losses by limiting exports of these commodities. In this review, recent information regarding the fungal producers of AFs, prevalence of AF contamination of foods and feed, current regulations, and AF prevention and removal strategies are summarized, with a major focus on Pakistan.

Micro-climatic variations across Malawi have a greater influence on contamination of maize with aflatoxins than with fumonisins

This study reports levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in maize samples (n = 1294) from all agroecological zones (AEZs) in Malawi. Most maize samples (> 75%) were contaminated with aflatoxins and 45% with fumonisins, which co-occurred in 38% of the samples. Total aflatoxins varied across the AEZs, according to mean annual temperature (P < 0.05) of the AEZs. Samples from the lower Shire AEZ (median = 20.8 µg/kg) had higher levels of aflatoxins (P < 0.05) than those from the other AEZs (median = 3.0 µg/kg). Additionally, the majority (75%) of the positive samples from the lower Shire AEZ had aflatoxin levels exceeding the EU regulatory limit (4 µg/kg), whereas 25%, 37%, and 39% of positive samples exceeded the threshold in the mid-elevation, Lake Shore and upper and middle Shire, and highlands AEZs, respectively. The lower Shire AEZ is characterised by higher mean temperatures throughout the year and low erratic rainfall. However, total fumonisins did not show significant variation across AEZs, but all positive samples exceeded 150 µg/kg, required for tolerable daily intake of 1.0 µg/kg body weight per day, established by the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain. Therefore, results of this study suggest that contamination of maize with aflatoxin responds to micro-climate more than with fumonisins. In addition, the data will be useful to public health policy-makers and stakeholders to articulate and implement monitoring and mitigation programs.

An Eight-Year Survey on Aflatoxin B1 Indicates High Feed Safety in Animal Feed and Forages in Northern Italy.

Aflatoxins (AFs) remain the main concern for the agricultural and dairy industries due to their effects on the performances and quality of livestock production. Aflatoxins are always unavoidable and should be monitored. The objective of this paper is to bring to light a significant volume of data on AF contamination in several animal feed ingredients in Northern Italy. The Regional Breeders Association of Lombardy has been conducting a survey program to monitor mycotoxin contamination in animal feeds, and in this paper, we present data relating to AFB1 contamination. In most cases (95%), the concentrations were low enough to ensure compliance with the European Union's (EU's) maximum admitted levels for animal feed ingredients. However, the data show a high variability in AF contamination between different matrices and, within the same matrix, a high variability year over year. High levels of AFs were detected in maize and cotton, especially in the central part of the second decade of this century, i.e., 2015-2018, which has shown a higher risk of AF contamination in feed materials in Northern Italy. Variability due to climate change and the international commodity market affect future prospects to predict the presence of AFs. Supplier monitoring and control and reduced buying of contaminated raw materials, as well as performing analyses of each batch, help reduce AF spread.

Growth Performance of Kuroiler (Rhode Island x White Leghorn) Chickens Fed Aflatoxin Contaminated Maize- Based Diets Treated with Different Amounts of Lemon (Limon citrus) Juice

Aflatoxin contamination in feed and feed ingredients is prevalent worldwide, and poses serious risks to both livestock and humans. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feeding Aflatoxin (AF) contaminated maize-based diets treated with varying levels of Lemon juice, to Kuroiler chickens on their growth performance. Lemon juice was extracted from fruits purchased from the local market and mixed with isocaloric and Isonitrogenic diets (starter, grower and finisher) containing AF-contaminated maize, at 0, 250, 500 and 750ml Lemon juice/Kg of feed. The diets were left to dry for 24hrs, after which 100g samples were collected from each diet to measure and compare the residual AF levels. Then, 100 day-old Kuroiler chicks were sourced from a local hatchery, and divided into four treatment groups (n = 25). Each group was replicated four times. The treatment groups were randomly assigned to 0, 250, 500, and 750ml Lemon juice/Kg feed –treated diets. These feeds and clean drinking water, were supplied to the birds ad libitum for 49 days. Feed intake was monitored every day, and body weights, weight gains, and feed conversion ratios were assessed every week. It was observed that the amount of residual AF in each diet depended on the amount of lemon juice used to treat it. Untreated diet had the highest AF levels at 36 ppb, followed by that which was treated with 250, 500, 750 ml Lemon juice/Kg feed at 28.1, 21.3, and 7.4 ppb, respectively. Growth performance variables assessed were also influenced by the amounts of residual AF levels in the diet. Birds fed diets with the lowest residual AF levels at 7.4 ppb had the best (p &lt; 0.05) growth performance in all the variables, while the least (p &lt; 0.05) was observed in birds fed untreated diet, followed by those that were fed diets treated with 250 and 500ml Lemon juice/Kg feed. It was concluded that Lemon juice was able to degrade AF in diets that had maize contaminated with AF, but the extent to which it inactivated it, depended on the amount of juiced used. Similarly, growth performance of birds fed diets with AF-contaminated maize treated with lemon juice was also dependent on the levels of residual AF in feeds after treatment, with the best performance observed in chickens fed diets treated with 750ml Lemon juice per Kg feed.

The presence and transfer characteristics of aflatoxins in medicinal herbs: From raw materials to edible dispensing granules.

In this study, a sensitive and accurate immunoaffinity columns coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography method was established to monitor the presence of aflatoxins-aflatoxin B1 , aflatoxin B2 , aflatoxin G1 , and aflatoxin G2 -in different medicinal herbs. The proposed method was found to be suitable for the detection of aflatoxins in eight kinds of herbs and their corresponding granules. Two batches of Arecae semen were positive for aflatoxins, with high residue levels of different aflatoxins. To better understand the presence and transfer of aflatoxins during the formulation of dispensing granules from the herbs, the aflatoxins-free herbs were artificially inoculated with Aspergillus flavus to explore aflatoxins production. Both aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 were detected in all inoculated samples, while aflatoxin G2 was only detected in Astragali radix samples. Additionally, the presence of aflatoxin B1 was extremely high compared to other aflatoxins. More specifically, the transfer rate of the aflatoxin B1 and the total aflatoxins from original herbs to granules were both approximately 40%. These findings indicated that the preparation of herbs into dispensing granules reduced the content of aflatoxins. The high-level presence of aflatoxins in inoculated herbs indicated that attention is needed to the safety of A. flavus-contaminated herbs.

Occurrence and associated factors of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk in South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia, 2020.

Aflatoxin M1 is the most significant toxin of milk and milk products. It is immunosuppressive, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds to humans. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the concentration of aflatoxin M1 and its determinants in raw cow milk sample intended for human consumption in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a total of 100 dairy farmers from January to February 2020. Around 50 ml, 100 raw milk samples were collected for aflatoxin M1 analysis. A simple random sampling technique was applied to get the households. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to see the association between predictor and outcome variables. From the 100 dairy farmers who had participated, 38% had heard about aflatoxin in the milk sample. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in the 99(99%) raw milk samples, of these 41 (41%) exceeded the limit of the European Union. The logistic regression analysis result showed that residence, awareness about the level of aflatoxin in the milk sample, management mold‐contaminated animal feed, animal feed storage facility, and grazing systems were significantly associated with the high level of aflatoxin in the milk sample. Almost all milk samples analyzed were positive for aflatoxin M1, and 41% of samples were above the limit set by European Union. Many easily manageable and preventable factors were associated with higher levels of aflatoxin M1 in the milk sample than the European Union limit, which suggests continuous monitoring of milk and milk products is necessary.

Assessment of Fungal and Mycotoxin contamination of Maize grains collected from Senatorial Zones of Benue State

Assessment of fungal and mycotoxin contamination of maize grains collected from Senatorial Zones of Benue State was carried out in this study. Maize samples were collected in sterile polythene bags, labelled according to the sample locations and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Isolation and identification of the fungi was carried out using dilution method and standard mycological procedures. Samples were plated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with 60ug ml-1 chloramphenicol as a bacteriostat and incubated at room temperature for mycological identification and biomass. Quantifications of aflatoxin in the maize samples was carried out using Specific ELISA kit. Results showed that there was a high level of fungal contamination found in maize grains in Benue State. Many (40%) of Zone A maize grains had a high level (≥ 3.1 × 107 cfu/g) of fungal contamination, 40% of Zone B maize grains also had (≥ 3.1 × 107 cfu/g) of fungal contamination. While 26.7% of grains purchased from Zone C had (≥ 3.1 × 107 cfu/g) of fungal contamination. It was also observed that none (0%) of Zone A maize grains had aflatoxin level above 6.57ppb, while 10% of Zone B seeds produced aflatoxin levels above 6.57ppb and 25% of maize seeds from Zone C had aflatoxin levels above 6.57ppb. It was also observed that Zone B maize grains had the highest aflatoxin level of&#x0D; 9.50ppb, followed by Zone C with 9.20ppb, while Zone A had the lowest aflatoxin level of 5.10ppb. High aflatoxin levels above the 5.0ppb recommended by Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) as tolerance limit for maize grains were observed in many of the locations studied. Therefore maize grains should be dried properly and stored in less humid environment to avoid fungal growth and aflatoxin production, so as to prevent public health issues among consumers.

Does Use of Atoxigenic Biocontrol Products to Mitigate Aflatoxin in Maize Increase Fumonisin Content in Grains?

In the tropics and subtropics, maize (Zea mays) and other crops are frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. Treatment of crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus formulated into biocontrol products can significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination. Treated crops contain up to 100% fewer aflatoxins compared with untreated crops. However, there is the notion that protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination may result in increased accumulation of other toxins, particularly fumonisins produced by a few Fusarium species. The objective of this study was to determine if treatment of maize with aflatoxin biocontrol products increased fumonisin concentration and fumonisin-producing fungi in grains. Over 200 maize samples from fields treated with atoxigenic biocontrol products in Nigeria and Ghana were examined for fumonisin content and contrasted with maize from untreated fields. Apart from low aflatoxin levels, most treated maize also harbored fumonisin levels considered safe by the European Union (<1 part per million; ppm). Most untreated maize also harbored equally low fumonisin levels but contained higher aflatoxin levels. In addition, during one year, we detected considerably lower Fusarium spp. densities in treated maize than in untreated maize. Our results do not support the hypothesis that treating crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus used in biocontrol formulations results in higher grain fumonisin levels.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Contamination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with Aspergillus section Flavi communities and aflatoxin at the post-harvest stage

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is essential to prepare numerous popular dishes across sub-Saharan Africa. However, groundnuts may contain hazardous aflatoxin levels. There is scant information on aflatoxin levels in Uganda and the causal agents of contamination in stored groundnut. High aflatoxin content hinders trading of groundnut and groundnut products in international markets, affecting Uganda's economy. The current study assessed contamination of groundnut with Aspergillus section Flavi fungi and aflatoxin under storage conditions. One hundred seventy-nine samples were sourced from farmers' household stores from 18 major groundnut-producing districts in seven agro-ecological zones (AEZ). Aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 to 1327 ng/g. Around 45% of the samples had aflatoxin levels above the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (10 ng/g). In addition, 1829 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were recovered, and the A. flavus L morphotype dominated the communities (80%). Cropping systems, storage and climatic conditions in different AEZ influenced communities' structure composition and aflatoxin levels. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in aflatoxin content and frequencies of Aspergillus species among AEZ and districts. The extremely high aflatoxin levels detected in samples from some districts beckoned the urgent need for management strategies are. Aflatoxin biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus, such as those detected in the study, could be used to reduce aflatoxin contamination in both field and storage conditions.