Levels Of Aflatoxin B1 Research Articles

Risk characterization for aflatoxin B1 in spices in Tabriz, Iran

Spices, as a type of natural food, are highly important in people’s dietary baskets. This study aimed to determine the level of aflatoxin B1 in spices distributed in Tabriz city and to estimate the deterministic risk of dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 in certain spices using margin of exposure (MOE) and cancer risk approaches. For this purpose, 75 spice samples, including red pepper, black pepper, and turmeric (25 samples each), were randomly collected from spice distribution centers in Tabriz city from March to June 2023. The level of aflatoxin B1 was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Red pepper and black pepper had the highest levels of aflatoxin B1 (5.13 ± 1.98 and 5.12 ± 2.12μg/kg, respectively), while turmeric had the lowest (3.27 ± 1.45μg/kg) (P <0.05). The average MOE was estimated to range from 728 to 1142 for residents of Tabriz based on their spice consumption (0.0075kg/person/day). Less than 10-4 cases per 100,000 people are at risk for cancer. Overall, according to the MOE, the results indicate aflatoxin health risks for the consumption of distributed spices in Tabriz city. Furthermore, continuous monitoring and periodic assessments are essential to ensure the safety of spice consumption.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on subacute exposure of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂): Growth, liver histology, and integrated liver transcriptome and metabolome analysis

With the increasing incorporation of plant-based ingredients into the grouper diet, the issue of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in the diet has become a significant concern. In this study, the negative effects of AFB1 on the growth and liver health of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂) were investigated in the context of growth, liver histology, serum biochemical indices, and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data. A total of 540 healthy hybrid groupers, initially weighing 11.59 ± 0.03 g, were randomly divided into six groups (three replicates of 30 fish each): the Control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were supplemented with 7 (AF7), 30 (AF30), 111 (AF111), 445 (AF445) and 2230 μg/kg AFB1 (AF2230) in the basal diet respectively, for 56 days. Groups Control, AF445, and AF2230 were selected for subsequent histological, muscle fatty acid, and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses based on the results of hybrid grouper growth and serum biochemical indices. Compared to the Control group, both whole-body crude lipid and muscle crude lipid contents showed significant decreases in the AF2230 group (P < 0.05), while only muscle crude lipid content showed a significant decrease in the AF445 group (P = 0.001). Liver damage was seen in the histology of the liver of AF445 and AF2230 groups. Muscle fatty acid results showed that the addition of 445 and 2230 μg/kg AFB1 to the ration increased saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids in muscle (P < 0.05). Transcriptome analyses revealed multiple metabolic pathways associated with AFB1 metabolism, and metabolomics analyses further confirmed changes in the activity of these pathways. The results of the combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that AFB1 causes liver injury mainly by affecting liver retinol metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochromes P450, drug metabolism-cytochromes P450 and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, dietary AFB1 levels above 445 μg/kg resulted in growth inhibition, liver injury, liver AFB1 accumulation, and reduced muscle polyunsaturated fatty acid content in grouper, thereby affecting muscle quality. This study provides novel insights into the detrimental effects of AFB1 on aquatic species and contributes to the scientific basis for the health and sustainability of aquaculture practices.

Potential Production of Mycotoxins by the Fungal Flora Isolated from "Garba" (Côte D'ivoire)

Garba, an Ivorian dish composed of attiéké (a fermented cassava couscous), fried tuna, and condiments, is increasingly consumed by the population, particularly in the streets of Abidjan. However, garba could pose a health risk to consumers. This study, aimed at preserving public health, sought to identify the toxigenic fungal flora present in garba sold on the streets of Abidjan. To this end, 300 garba samples were collected from four districts of Abidjan. Fungal strains contaminating the garba were enumerated and identified using classical mycological methods. Mycotoxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxins) were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the average mold counts ranged from 0 to 1.8 x 10^3 CFU/g. The isolated mold strains belonged to ten species grouped into four genera: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium and Paecilomyces, with Mucor spp. (36.89%) and Aspergillus niger (30.09%) being the most predominant. The mycotoxins detected in garba were aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and ochratoxin A, with average levels ranging from 0.42 to 8.07 µg/kg. Approximately 37% and 23% of garba samples had total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 levels exceeding regulatory limits. The presence of potentially mycotoxigenic fungal strains in garba could pose a health risk to consumers. Compliance with good hygiene practices during the production and sale of garba will therefore be necessary to considerably reduce contamination and protect consumer health.

Effect of antioxidant and adsorbent on the digestibility and digestibility of nutrients in broiler diets while reducing the risk of aflatoxicosis

Purpose: determination of the adsorbent toxin and antioxidant vitamin C on the digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in the composition of compound feed for broiler chickens with a tolerant level of aflatoxin B1.Materials and methods. The objects of the study were broiler chickens of the KOBB-500 cross. When setting up the experiment, the duration of 42 days, 4 groups of 100 heads each were formed from day-old chickens according to the principle of analog groups. The experimental birds were fed complete compound feeds (CF) based on corn, sorghum and fodder beans. The samples of compound feeds have a high chemical composition and the presence of mycotoxins. Upper limits of permissible concentrations (ULC) for aflatoxin B1 were established in all three types of feed grain. Therefore, they were mixed with safe mycotoxin additives using dispensers in the feed shop of the poultry enterprise. In this way, tolerable levels (no more than 0,25 mg/kg of feed) of the content of this mycotoxin in the composition of the PK fed to the experimental birds were achieved. Against the background of the conducted scientific and production experiment with the use of chromium oxide in the composition of compound feed (as an inert indicator) on chickens (aged 35-42 days) of comparable groups (5 heads from each group), we conducted an exchange (physiological) experiment. Based on the results of chemical analysis of the fed compound feed and excrements in the droppings of the experimental birds, the level of digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in the diet was calculated.Results. During the experiment, the leadership of the combined introduction of the adsorbent toxfin in the amount of 1500 g/t and ingredient C in the amount of 500 g/t of feed into complete feeds for broiler chickens with a tolerant level of aflatoxin B1 was established. As a result, compared to the birds of the control group, the chickens of the 3rd experimental group had significantly (р&lt;0,05) higher coefficients of digestibility of dry matter by 3,66%, organic matter by 3,90 %, crude protein by 3,63 %, fiber by 3.06% and NFE by 3,19 %, respectively. In terms of the degree of nitrogen assimilation (60,45 %), the result (51.45 %) and phosphorus (49,67 %) from the generally accepted amount with feed, the best indicators were also obtained in broilers of the 3rd experimental group, which reliably (р&lt;0,05) outperformed their control indicators for these indicators by 3,74 %, 2,91 % and 2,45 %, respectively.

Determination of mycotoxins in breakfast cereals by LC-MS/MS

Breakfast cereals, attributed to low microbiological risk due to their low water activity, are not very innocent due to their components such as cereal, dried fruit and cocoa. Secondary fungal metabolites called mycotoxins are one of the most important risks that these foods can carry. The multimycotoxin level of 140 breakfast cereal samples sold in local markets in Istanbul, Turkiye, was analysed.Samples were tested using the LC-MS/MS technique. Contamination levels of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin (OTA), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1, B2, citrinin, HT-2 and T-2 toxins were determined in breakfast cereal.As a result, 71% (n = 100) of the samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin. Aflatoxin B1 levels in 17% of the samples and total aflatoxin levels in 31% were determined to exceed the limits defined in the “Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulation”. The sample rate containing all toxins (except CIT) above the detection limit was 24%. ZEN + DON + OTA was found in 24% of the samples, total aflatoxins (TAF) + OTA + ZEN in 25%, fumonisins (FUM) + OTA + DON in 29%, and TAF + FUM + OTA + DON + ZEN + HT-2+T-2 in 24% of the samples.Our findings indicate that breakfast cereal samples are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination and necessitate consistent monitoring to ensure safety. The presence of other mycotoxins not included in the legal regulation is noteworthy. Action is needed to prepare a legal regulation on the co-occurrence of mycotoxins.

A disposable paper-based electrochemical biosensor for detection of aflatoxin B1 based on a structure-switching aptamer

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic mycotoxin that readily contaminates major food crops. This study presents a novel ratiometric electrochemical paper-based aptasensor for AFB1 detection that utilizes a structure-switching aptamer. The sensor detects AFB1 by folding the DNA aptamer, reducing the electron transfer efficiency between the methylene blue (MB) molecules attached to the DNA and the electrode surface. An inner reference element modified with ferrocene (Fc) is co-assembled on the electrode surface of the paper-based biosensor to enhance the accuracy of AFB1 detection. In the presence of target AFB1, a folded target–aptamer complex is formed, distancing the MB molecules from the electrode and generating a low current signal in a differential pulse voltammetry mode. The ratio of oxidation currents for MB and Fc serves as the metric for monitoring AFB1 levels. The detection range spans from 20.0 to 1000.0 ng mL−1, with a limit of detection of 7.6 ng mL−1. The paper-based aptasensor exhibits excellent specificity and stability. Additionally, its high reliability and applicability are validated by the strong correlation observed between the sensor results and the results obtained using UPLC−MS/MS analysis of real samples. This study offers a low-cost, readily available approach for portable detection of foodborne hazards.

Dietary exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin through githeri and effectiveness of nixtamalization in reduction of these toxins in githeri from Turkana County.

Exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin is mainly through diet. In Kenyan public schools, children are given porridge made from maize flour for breakfast, a mixture of maize and beans, also known as githeri for lunch and ugali for dinner. Nixtamalization has proved to reduce mycotoxins in most cereals and not a mixture of maize and beans. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the exposure of primary school children in Turkana County to aflatoxin and fumonisin through maize-based food under the school meals program and the effectiveness of nixtamalization in the reduction of these mycotoxins. Samples of githeri were randomly collected from all public primary schools (n = 128) under the homegrown school meals program in Turkana County and analyzed for aflatoxin and fumonisin. The data was analyzed using SAS software, version 9.4. The deterministic model was used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the margin of exposure (MOE) used to characterize the exposure risk. The contaminated samples were then treated with various concentrations of Ca(OH)2, 0.5-2.5%. The treated samples were cooked for 60 and 75min and soaked for 6 and 8h. Forty percent of the schools contained githeri samples with aflatoxin B1 levels above 5µg/Kg, the maximum limit for Kenya. Exposure to aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was up to 2µg/kg/bw/day. The range for fumonisin exposure was 60-80µg/kg/bw/day. Ca(OH)2 concentration levels of up to 2.5% reduced aflatoxin by 75% and fumonisin by 72%. The findings indicate that githeri is contaminated with aflatoxin and fumonisin which exposes school children to these mycotoxins and nixtamalization can be used to reduce mycotoxin contamination in githeri.

Integrated multi-omics approach and pathological analyses provide new insights into the hepatic injury and metabolic alterations in Saanen goats after dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1

Exploring the toxicity and metabolic mechanisms of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in ruminants can help to develop strategies to prevent or reduce the transfer of the toxin and its metabolites to milk and meat. This study aimed to explore the effects of 3 concentrations of dietary AFB1 (0, 50, and 500 μg/kg) on hepatic injury and metabolism in Saanen goats via histological examination, Western blot analysis, as well as integrated multi-omics techniques. Eighteen Saanen goats were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments and the AFB1 challenge lasted for 14 d. Results showed that the liver tissue was enlarged and the relative organ index of the liver was linearly increased with elevated AFB1 levels. The hepatocyte apoptosis rate was significantly increased after AFB1 exposure and the Western blotting results revealed that both the external apoptotic pathway and mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway might be involved in AFB1-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. There were 251, 269, 154 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 340, 596, 127 significant differential metabolites for the control (C; 0 μg/kg) and low-dose (L; 50 μg/kg), C and high-dose (H; 500 μg/kg), L and H comparisons. The DEGs annotated were mainly involved in the cell part, cell, single-organism process, cellular process, binding, and other functional categories. The identified metabolites primarily belonged to glycerophospholipids, prenol lipids, carboxylic acids and derivatives. Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed that glycerophospholipids metabolism and choline metabolism in cancer were the most affected pathways related to AFB1 exposure. The identified differential metabolites, DEGs, and pathways might have played a crucial role in the hepatic injury induced by AFB1 in goats.

Aflatoxin B1 in senna pods from field to storage in Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT Senna, a medicinal herb, is highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, which often limits the export value of the final products due to the regulatory limits of importing countries. Presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated in 229 senna pod samples at various stages from field to storage over three years. Higher incidence of AFB1 was revealed during the late harvest stage with a mean level of 52.4 µg/kg and a range of LOD-206 µg/kg. Out of 48 late harvest samples, 37 exceeded the AFFB1 limit of 2 µg/kg. In contrast, the majority of preharvest samples showed lower levels of AFB1 (1.0 µg/kg). During drying, increase in the mean AFB1 level to 4 µg/kg was observed and it could further increase to 18.1 μg/kg in storage. These results highlight the status of aflatoxin contamination in senna pods and emphasise the importance of implementing good agricultural practices in senna cultivation to mitigate AFB1 contamination.

Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products: The state of the evidence for child growth impairment

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite of the more toxic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) a mycotoxin produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus; which contaminates maize, peanuts, tree nuts, and oilseeds, among other crops in warm regions of the world. When mammals consume AFB1 in these foods, they secrete AFM1 in milk. A recent analysis indicated negligible cancer risk associated with AFM1 exposure, but whether AFM1 impairs children's growth is important to understand because children consume relatively more milk than adults worldwide. Our paper reviews the evidence on the link between AFM1 exposure and child growth impairment. We find that the existing studies are contradictory and necessitates further studies on this question; in particular, those that control for potentially confounding factors such as household socioeconomic status, children's overall diets, hygienic factors, and agroecological zone. Though many nations have policies for maximum AFM1 limits in dairy foods, they are not based on an explicit health risk analysis of AFM1 but on conversion rates of AFB1 levels to AFM1 in dairy products. Future studies on AFM1's potential harmful effects on child growth will help to better inform policies on maximum allowable AFM1 in milk and other dairy products.

First evidence on the occurrence of multi-mycotoxins and dietary risk exposure to AFB1 along the cassava value chain in Uganda

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of multiple mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, fumonisins B1, B2, ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and citrinin (CIT)) in cassava products and as assessed the potential risk of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure among cassava consumers. A total of 192 samples of cassava products (96 flour and 96 chips, each with 48 samples from farmer and 48 from wholesaler) were analysed using LC/MS–MS. All positive samples irrespective of their origin (flour or chips) exhibited AFB1 levels exceeding the EU regulatory threshold of 5 µg/kg. The sum of fumonisins (FB1 + FB2), ZEN, and DON were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cassava flour (14.3 µg/kg; 3.71 µg/kg; 25.1 µg/kg) compared to chips (6.54 µg/kg; 1.25 µg/kg; 0.25 µg/kg), respectively. Aflatoxins G2 was not detected in any of 192 samples. Cassava flour samples from farmers exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of AFB1 (27.1 µg/kg), total aflatoxins (78.2 µg/kg), and ochratoxin A (79.6 µg/kg) in contrast to wholesalers, whose mean levels were notably lower at 8.91, 5.79 µg/kg, and 2.44 µg/kg, respectively, pointing the likely critical source of mycotoxin contamination. Cassava consumers in Northern Uganda are at a higher risk, with an estimated 2.06 cancer cases per 100,000 individuals per year compared to those in Eastern Uganda at 0.25. This study underscores the urgent need for interventions to manage aflatoxins in cassava flour, particularly at farm level in Northern Uganda. It accentuates a shift market to household-level sampling and the need for analytical methods targeting multiple mycotoxins.

Evaluating dietary exposure and risk characterization of aflatoxin B1, citrinin, and ochratoxin A co-occurrence in pigmented rice consumed in Thailand

In recent years, pigmented rice, often referred to as functional rice, has attracted increasing attention due to its perceived health benefits arising from an abundance of phytochemicals. However, there is limited information on the occurrence and risks of mycotoxins due to long-term consumption of pigmented rice. This study assessed the co-occurrence and contamination levels of aflatoxins, citrinin (CIT), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in various pigmented rice samples sourced from Thailand, and also evaluated the potential health risks for consumers. The results indicated varying levels of mycotoxin contamination among the different tested pigmented rice varieties, with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) being the most prevalent (39.1 %), followed by CIT (17.3 %) and OTA (14.5 %). The co-occurrences of AFB1-CIT and CIT-OTA were the most prevalent combination observed in the pigmented rice samples. Although the AFB1 and CIT levels remained below regulatory limits, some samples had OTA levels exceeding these limits, though by a small percentage. Furthermore, the anthocyanin content in pigmented rice showed a weak positive correlation with the AFB1 level (p < 0.05). The estimated risk of liver cancer incidence associated with the consumption of pigmented rice containing AFB1 was in the range 0.012–0.061 cases/100,000 persons/year, depending on consumption rate and behavior. The risk posed by CIT exposure was considered negligible. However, the exposure assessments suggested a potential risk of OTA exposure, particularly in scenarios with higher consumption rates. Cumulative risk assessment of AFB1-OTA co-occurrence indicated an amplified health risk compared to single mycotoxin exposure. These findings offer valuable evidence, encouraging further research aimed at mitigating the risks associated with mycotoxin contamination in pigmented rice.

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Bacillus sp. Strain R2 Inhibit Aspergillus flavus Growth In Vitro and in Unhulled Rice.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Bacillus species exhibit biocontrol activity against fungal pathogens of fruits and vegetables. However, research on the effect of VOCs on Aspergillus flavus in stored grains is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of VOCs extracted from the strain R2, which was isolated from unhulled rice and identified as Bacillus paramycoides on A. flavus in vitro and unhulled rice. R2 VOCs effectively inhibited conidial germination and the hyphal growth of A. flavus in vitro. Moreover, R2 VOCs reduced the fungal population, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels, and free fatty acid (FFA) value by 90.8%, 67%, and 38.7%, respectively, in unhulled rice. Eighteen R2 VOCs were identified using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the individual activity of the VOCs against A. flavus was tested in vitro. Benzaldehyde (Ben) and 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol (Dmo) showed strong inhibitory activities against A. flavus on PDA plates, with inhibition rates of 100% and 91.2%, respectively, at a concentration of 20 μL/dish. Ben at the concentration of 0.09 mg/mL, Dmo at the concentration of 0.07 mg/mL, or a mixture of both at halved concentrations could reduce the fungal population, AFB1 levels, and FFA content in unhulled rice. Our findings suggest that R2 VOCs are good alternatives to traditional chemical fumigants for suppressing A. flavus in stored grains. However, further research is necessary to establish the optimal fumigation concentration of these two components in unhulled rice. The impact of their residues on grain quality should be explored through sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis, and their safety to the environment and human body should be evaluated through safety assessment.

Prevalence and Quantification of Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Meat and Poultry Feed at Different Zones of Sindh, Pakistan

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and levels of aflatoxin B1 in broiler meat and feed samples from various zones of Sindh, Pakistan, conducted at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during 2022-2023. A total of 360 broiler meat and feed samples, with 120 from southern, central, and northern zones, were collected from retail shops and poultry farms. All samples were screened for aflatoxin B1 using the ELISA Bio-Shield Total Extra Sensitive Kit. Negative samples were spiked with 5 and 10g/kg aflatoxin B1 for validation. The southern zone had the highest contamination of aflatoxin B1 in broiler meat (58.33%; 36.50±2.08 µg/Kg) and feed (67.50%; 66.20±1.15 µg/Kg), followed by the central zone (40.00%; 32.60±1.64 µg/Kg) and the northern zone (25.00%; 20.90±2.82 µg/Kg). Contamination levels in feed samples were also higher in the southern zone compared to central (48.30%; 56.25±0.87µg/Kg) and northern (28.30%; 47.55±1.50 µg/Kg) zones. The aflatoxin B1 levels in both meat and feed samples exceeded the FDA-recommended limit of 20 µg/Kg, posing a significant risk to food safety. These findings highlight the urgent need for a monitoring plan to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in broiler meat, poultry products, and feedstuffs across Sindh, Pakistan, to ensure safer food production.

Assessment of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L), Walp] Storage Technique and some Stocks Sanitary Quality in Center North Region of Burkina Faso

Cowpea plays an important role in food and nutritional security. Cowpea stock are subject to biotic and abiotic attack resulted stock lost that affected food security. Few research are doing on conservation techniques and stock sanitary quality. The objective of this work is to study the cowpea storage techniques and some stock sanitary quality according to producers and with laboratory analysis. A survey was conducted with 174 cowpea producers on storage techniques and 17 samples of cowpea were collected in stocks to determine aflatoxin B1 level and grain quality parameter according to official method. It was found that cowpea is preserved in the form of grains (98.28%), the house is the main storage structure (89.66%), the double-bottom bag is the most commonly used packaging material (57.71%), chemical substances are the most commonly used for preservation (52.19%), and pallets are generally used to furnish storage structure interior (73.56%). Insects and rodents (43.43% and 42.7% respectively) were the most encountered stock enemies and moisture (44.65%) the main abiotic spoilage factor. An AFTB1 contamination rate of 94% was found in the cowpea stocks sampled, 52.63% of which had levels above the maximum limit set by the European Commission for raw materials (2µg/kg). Correlation analysis showed a relationship between AFTB1 levels, moisture, pH, moldy kernels and kernel acidity. This study revealed that chemical product are more use to conserve cowpea and 94% of stocks sample were contaminated by aflatoxin B1 while half of them are levels above maximum limit.

Aflatoxin B1 contamination in porridge formulations for children and ingredients sourced from selected markets in Rwanda

Providing safe and nutritious food for children globally is a challenge. In Rwanda, an initiative was introduced in 2018 to tackle chronic malnutrition by offering fortified porridge flour to economically disadvantaged families during critical periods. However, flour-based products in the sub-region have caused public health concerns following aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. This study analyzed the levels of AFB1 in 197 porridge formulations from health centers, and 248 samples of porridge ingredients from open markets in three districts of Rwanda. Samples were collected between June 2021 and December 2022 and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 197 samples from health centers, 97.9 and 89.8% exceeded the European Union maximum limits for baby foods and foods for special medical purposes (0.1 μg/kg), and cereals and nuts (2 μg/kg), respectively with an average contamination level of 2.77 μg/kg (±0.98). Only four samples exceeded the East African Community maximum limits of 5 μg/kg for AFB1. Samples from open markets that exceeded the European Union and East African community limits of 0.1 μg/kg, 2 μg/kg, and 5 μg/kg ranged from 17 to 100%, 0 to 100%, and 0 to 100%, respectively. Site and processing significantly influenced levels of AFB1 contamination in open-market samples. The mean AFB1 levels were 17.85 μg/kg (±70.25) in Burera District, 36.04 μg/kg (±85.59) in Huye District, and 9.01 μg/kg (±18.49) in Nyarugenge District. The average AFB1 levels significantly varied between different products. Peanut samples showed higher contamination levels of 56.79 and 99.08 μg/kg for grain and flour, respectively. Flour samples in general had a higher mean of 51.65 μg/kg (±105.75), compared to grain samples, 16.5 μg/kg (±44). Thus, there are potential health risks associated with chronic exposure to AFB1 in children consuming flour-based foods from health centers and open markets. Interventions to mitigate AFB1 contamination and protect children should focus on food processing practices, implementing strict quality control measures, and raising awareness among stakeholders about the risks of AFB1 in flour-based products provided to children in Rwanda and similar settings. Key words: Flour-based porridge, contamination, aflatoxin B1, children, Rwanda

Effect of Bioactive Ingredients on Urinary Excretion of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Rats, as Measured by Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are highly toxic mycotoxins present in food and feed, posing serious health risks to humans and animals. This study aimed to validate an efficient and cost-effective analytical method for quantifying AFB1 and OTA in rat urine using immunoaffinity column extraction and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (IAC-LC-FD). Additionally, the study evaluated the effect of incorporating fermented whey and pumpkin into the feed on the urinary excretion of these mycotoxins. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.1 µg/kg and 0.3 µg/kg, respectively, for both mycotoxins in feed, and 0.2 ng/mL and 0.6 ng/mL, respectively, in urine. The method demonstrated robust recovery rates ranging from 74% to 119% for both AFB1 and OTA in both matrices. In feed samples, the levels of AFB1 and OTA ranged from 4.3 to 5.2 µg/g and from 5.4 to 8.8 µg/g, respectively. This validated method was successfully applied to analyze 116 urine samples from rats collected during the fourth week of an in vivo trial. The results indicated that the addition of fermented whey and pumpkin to the feed influenced mycotoxin excretion in urine, with variations observed based on the sex of the rats, type of mycotoxin, and exposure dosage.

Factors influencing aflatoxin B1 levels in the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm of Ethiopia

As there was no maximum permissible limit prescription for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Ethiopia, this study has been conducted to generate data on AFB1 levels in Ethiopian groundnut accessions/landraces. Besides, an attempt was made to find out if there is any relationship between AFB1 and other parameters such as altitude of cultivation, individual seed weight, kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, total carbohydrates, protein and total free amino acids. Out of the 28 accessions studied, merely six accessions registered ≤2 ppb AFB1 and thus, they comply with maximum permissible limit set by European Union. Altitude of cultivation had no relationship with AFB1 levels. Interestingly, total carbohydrates in the seeds as well as kernel colonization by A. flavus showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) positive relationships with AFB1 levels. It is suggested to use kernel colonization measurement as an alternative to the expensive ELISA based AFB1 measurement. Besides, suitable pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin management strategies should be developed to alleviate the AFB1 levels in Ethiopian groundnut.

Influence of probiotic and vitamin C on productivity, digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in the diet of meat quails while reducing the risk of aflatoxicosis

Of all known aflatoxicones, the most dangerous is afl atoxin B1, produced by mold of the genus Aspergillus. It destroys the liver parenchyma, very often leading to cirrhosis of this gland. In addition, aflatoxin B1 suppresses the vital activity of beneficial microfl ora of the digestive tract and the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients in compound feed. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of vitamin C and the probiotic Bioxymin Chicken on the livability, growth rate, digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in compound feed for meat quails with a tolerant level of aflatoxin B1. The studies have shown that in order to improve the survival rate of livestock, growth rate, increase digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in the diet, vitamin C at a dose of 500 g/t and probiotic Bioxymin Chicken at a dose of 1500 g/t of the compound feed should be included in the composition of complete compound feeds (barley-sorghum-soy type) at a tolerant level of afl atoxin B1. This resulted in a significant (p &lt; 0.05) superiority of the quails of the 3rd experimental group over the control analogues in terms of digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances. The results of the studies have shown that the activity indices of proteinases, cellulases, lipases, amylases in the chyme of the small intestine are completely consistent with the indices of digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in quail diets. In addition, in comparison with the quails of the control group, the meat quails of the 3rd experimental group showed a higher digestibility of feed nitrogen by 7.10 % (p &lt; 0.05), with an increase in the level of use of this element from the amount taken per day with feed by 3.69 abs.%.

Safe and effective degradation of aflatoxins by food-grade culture broth of Aspergillus oryzae.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are carcinogenic fungal toxins contaminating up to 25% of the global food supply. Over half of the world's population is exposed to unmonitored levels of AFs, mostly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Despite numerous efforts over the past 60 years, there are no solutions to remove AFs safely from food. Here, we present a safe and effective AF-degrading product called "D-Tox", a filtered culture broth of Aspergillus oryzae grown in a food-grade liquid medium. When 5 ppm of AFB1 is added to D-Tox, ∼90% is degraded at 48 and 24 hr at room temperature and 50°C, respectively. Moreover, when varying amounts (0.1 ppm ∼ 100 ppm) of AFB1 are added to D-Tox at 100°C, over 95% of AFB1 is degraded in 1 hr, suggesting a nonenzymatic process. Examining degradation of 100 ppm AFB1 reveals that aflatoxin D1 (AFD1) is the major transient degradant of AFB1, indicating that degradation occurs irreversibly by lactone ring hydrolysis followed by decarboxylation. D-Tox further degrades AFD1 to unknown fragmented products. Importantly, the practical application of D-Tox is also demonstrated, as more than 70% of AFB1 is degraded when wheat, corn, and peanuts naturally contaminated with high levels of AFB1 (0.3 ∼ 4.5 ppm) are boiled in D-Tox for 1 hr. Additionally, D-Tox can degrade other lactone-ring containing mycotoxins, including patulin and ochratoxin. D-Tox exhibits no cytotoxicity under the conditions tested in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. In summary, D-Tox is a safe and effective AF-detoxifying product that can enhance global food safety.