Food Products Research Articles

The Use of Islamic Attribute in Food Product Marketing: Expert Views

The vast number of Muslim consumers in Malaysia, which accounts for 63.5% of the total Malaysian population, offers a vast market segment to food producers—the food producers employ various marketing strategies to compete in the market. Among the strategies employed is the use of Islamic attributes in marketing activities. Food product marketers used Islamic attributes such as Muslim names, pictures, emblems, Quranic verses, and Hadith in their marketing campaigns. The free use of the Islamic attributes has drawn attention to knowing the Islamic perspective of the use. Through in-depth interviews, this research paper aimed to reveal the views of 7 Shariah experts in a rich and contextualized account of using Islamic attributes in food product marketing. The experts were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, which resulted in the emergence of six themes in this study. These themes include (1) protection of Islamic honor and dignity, (2) prohibition of using Islam for personal gain, (3) prohibition of unjust practices, (4) prohibition of superstitious or syirik acts, (5) promotion of good business practices, and (6) promotion of a healthy diet, revealing the Islamic perspective on its use. This study contributes knowledge to Islamic marketing and the rulings on using Islamic attributes according to the Shariah principle. This research sheds light on the ethical implications of using Islamic attributes in scholarly and marketing domains. Further, this research explores the triangulation method of data analysis and validity via Shariah and socio-research.

Molecularly imprinted ratiometric electrochemical sensor based on 3D-1D MoS2@CNTs hetero-nanoflower for selective detection of trimethoprim

Trimethoprim (TMP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is frequently found residue in the environment and food. An innovative electrochemical sensor was proposed for the detection of trimethoprim with high selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility through the integration of the flower-like MoS2@CNTs heterostructure as substrate, molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) technology as recognition, and the ratiometric strategy between trimethoprim and ferrocene (Fc) for quantitative. The recognition reaction of TMP by MIP-MoS2@CNTs sensor was assumed as an irreversible electrochemical oxidation reaction controlled by a combination of adsorption-diffusion process with two electrons and protons. With the incorporation of Fc during detection, a satisfying linear relationship of ITMP/IFc and the concentration of TMP was achieved, indicating a detection concentration ranging from 50 to 3000 nmol·L−1 with a detection limit of 27.01 nmol·L−1. In addition, the MoS2@CNTs MIP ratiometric sensor exhibited good stability for 20 days and excellent reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1.06 %, which was lower than 3.89 % of single signal. The practical feasibility of the sensor was detected in water samples with recovery rates of 98.62 ∼ 107.47 % and fish samples with recovery rates of 98.93 ∼ 105.45 %. Overall, the developed MIP ratiometric sensor provides a versatile system with easy operation and great potential for detecting small hazardous molecules in the environment and food products.

Plant reproduction research in Latin America: Toward sustainable agriculture in a changing environment.

Food production and food security depend on the ability of crops to cope with anthropogenic climate change and successfully produce seed. To guarantee food production well into the future, contemporary plant scientists in Latin America must carry out research on how plants respond to environmental stressors such as temperature, drought, and salinity. This review shows the opportunities to apply these results locally and abroad and points to the gaps that still exist in terms of reproductive processes with the purpose to better link research with translational work in plant breeding and biotechnology. Suggestions are put forth to address these gaps creatively in the face of chronic low investment in science with a focus on applicability.

Combining solar panels with plants for sustainable energy and food production: state of the art

The need for alternative energy sources becomes extensive because of the escalating cost of fossil fuels. The goal of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of combining photovoltaics and agriculture for better yield. Photovoltaic (PV) solar plants will compete with farms for available land. In this study, the methodologies are discussed how it is possible to maximize land utilization by placing solar arrays and food crops on the same plot of land. The term is proposed "agrivoltaic system" to describe this setup. Conventional solutions (discrimination of agricultural and energy extracting) were compared to two agrivoltaic schemes with varying density of PV arrays using land equivalent ratios. We utilized a crop model to simulate the amount of sunlight reaching the crop from an array of solar panels and to speculate on the yield reduction that would result from the partial shading. These early findings suggest that agrivoltaic systems may be highly effective; the two densities of PV panels were anticipated to boost worldwide land production by 73%. One possible explanation for the success of these hybrid systems is the presence of facilitation mechanisms analogous to those seen in agroforestry. At the end it is suggested that in places where arable land is rare, new solar plants may find it beneficial to produce both power and food.

Evidence and Prospects of Lycopene as Powerful Red Superfood: Modern Approach to Food Science

Abstract: Lycopene is a plant-derived important nutrient belonging to a group of pigments identified as carotenoids. Lycopene has distinctive chemical and structural features contributing to definite biological properties. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and prevents cells and tissues from damage caused by singlet oxygen or free radicals. Research studies have shown the healthpromoting potential of lycopene or its metabolites in the prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, asthma, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Lycopene is stable for processing like other natural compounds when present in the plant tissue matrix. Over the last few years, the global lycopene market has increased in different sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and dairy products, and other dietary supplements. The most important aspect of lycopene as a superfood is its synergistic nature with other nutrients. The main aim of this review article is to study chemistry, biosynthetic pathways, biotransformation, sources, and acceptable daily intake. Its characterization as a superfood, therapeutic potential, and wide range of applications in the food industry are also studied.

LC-MS investigated as a tool to study the metabolomic characteristics of cereal fermentation

Fermentation of cereals to obtain desired food products is an age-old technique. It is often used to enhance the acceptability and shelf-life of the product. Fermentation can be viewed as a process where microbes bring about metabolic changes in the overall metabolic constitution of the product. In recent years, food metabolomics is emerging as a field to decipher these metabolomic changes to develop a more sustainable and robust food industry. With the advent of advanced analytical platforms, it is now possible to analyse cereal fermentation in-depth in a high-throughput manner. One such tool is LC-MS which has now become an indispensable tool for such food-based studies. The dynamic coverage of metabolites along with high qualitative and quantitative reproducibility makes it a method of choice in many metabolomic studies. The present study undertakes an exhaustive survey of the scholarly literature from 2005 to 2023 focusing on key studies that employ the LC-MS platform to study fermentation, particularly in cereals. The findings strongly advocate for the versatility and utility of LC-MS especially when complemented with chemometric approach in unravelling the intricacies of cereal fermentation. By leveraging these insights, the food industry can further enhance the development of functional foods and foster innovation.

Social Media’s Role in Shaping Millennials Halal Shopping Trends in Malaysia

Social media influencers (SMIs) have emerged as pivotal figures in advertising and critiquing products and services. They serve as credible sources, disseminating persuasive messages that significantly influence consumer purchasing behavior, particularly among Millennials. This paper investigates the factors pertaining to SMIs that shape the purchasing behavior of Muslim Millennials in Malaysia towards halal food products. Employing a non-probability sampling method, the study surveyed 403 respondents using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Data collection utilised a structured closed-ended questionnaire as the survey instrument. Results indicate that SMIs’ expertise impacts consumers’ attitudes and behaviors towards halal food products, with expertise serving as the sole mediator. Furthermore, SMIs wield significant influence over consumer purchasing behaviour by disseminating product reviews and advertisements to a broad audience. Factors such as trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise among these influencers directly impact the purchasing decisions of millennials. This study makes a significant contribution by enhancing comprehension of the latest digital and social media technologies’ relevance and importance.

Predictor Factors Influencing Young Adults’ Purchase Intention of Organic Food in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This study is conducted to further understand the various behaviors of young adult consumers when it comes to organic food purchases. The study utilizes the AMOS SEM (v.24) tool to capture the relationship between the independent variables (perceived behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norm) and the dependent variable (the purchase intention of young adults). Young adults shape a growing demography in the heart of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It is crucial for scholars to further understand their purchasing interest, especially concerning organic food. Convenience sampling was utilized in this study as it is a practical method to capture the views of young adults in urban areas. A total of 200 respondents were tested in this study. Data was collected in areas such as shopping malls and cafes as it is more populated with younger crowds. Responses were collected via a 5-scale Likert-based questionnaire with items adapted from various past literature, and internal consistency tabulated through Cronbach’s Alpha, Average Variance Extracted, and Composite Reliability. The hypotheses were further verified using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, revealing valid significance in the notion that subjective norm and perceived behavioral control do indeed influence young adults in their purchase intentions of organic food products. Based on the results achieved, these results imply that young adults still very much rely on their peers and filial support as well as a perceived internal emotional control over their spending choices to make decisions when buying organic food.

Effects of industrial slicing on the microbiological quality and safety of mozzarella cheese and ham

Slicing of animal origin food affects the final quality of products and potentially transfers pathogenic microorganisms as it occurs after microorganism control and elimination steps, such as cooking and pasteurization. Therefore, the food industry needs to ensure the safety of food products to reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases. This requires an understanding of the dangers involved in each stage of production, along with the microorganisms transferred during processing. In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of industrial slicing on mozzarella cheese and ham by investigating the quality indicator microorganisms, aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Samples were collected from pieces (20) and slices (20) of mozzarella cheese and ham. The number of mesophilic aerobes differed significantly before and after slicing (P < 0.05) for mozzarella. However, no difference was observed in the psychrotrophic microorganism counts during slicing. The counts of total coliforms and S. aureus increased after slicing (P > 0.05). In total, 844 isolates were analyzed for pathogenic genes, and Salmonella spp. were identified in 40% of the piece and 20% of the sliced mozzarella cheese samples and in 30% of the piece and 50% of the sliced ham samples. Furthermore, S. aureus genes with the potential to produce enterotoxins C and D were identified in two sliced mozzarella cheese samples. Slicing of ready-to-eat food is an important step in food microbiology. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining hygienic practices during processing and demonstrate that the microbiological quality of the slicing sample affects the quality and safety of the sliced product.

Effect of pulsed electric field processing on microbial and enzyme inactivation in blended plant-based milk alternatives: A case study on a microbial challenge test for a non-presterilized oat-based beverage enriched with pea protein

Microbial and enzyme inactivation by pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment was assessed in a blended plant-based milk alternative (PBMA) containing oats and pea protein without the application of presterilization. This was conducted to investigate a novel approach that permits PEF process validation for PBMA containing heat-labile components (protein and starch). Continuous PEF processing at moderate field strengths (9–10 kV/cm) combined with mild preheating (30–45 °C) for 25 s was applied over a range of specific energy inputs (77–245 kJ/L). Selective plating permitted bacterial enumeration of inoculated surrogate organism, despite the presence of natural microbial contaminants in the non-presterilized product. A minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogates Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua alongside native microbiota was identified after preheating to 35–45 °C followed by PEF at 192–215 kJ/L. α-amylase activity was reduced by up to 89% during a similar PEF treatment (205 kJ/L, 40 °C). Overall, continuous PEF combined with mild preheating temperature was shown to achieve microbial inactivation in the pea protein enriched PBMA in compliance with current food safety regulations. Industrial relevancePresterilization is typically applied prior to conducting microbial challenge testing on food products to validate novel pasteurization treatments according to current regulatory requirements that a minimum 5-log reduction of relevant inoculated food pathogens must be achievable. However, for a variety of blended PBMA containing heat-labile proteins, presterilization is not advisable as the occurrence of irreversible changes in the product quality linked to protein coagulation and phase separation will affect the inactivation efficacy during subsequent microbial challenge testing. Hence, an alternative approach is presented utilizing a non-presterilized PBMA and thorough microbiological analysis, combining non-selective and selective plating techniques. This allows an identification of PEF treatment parameter with a minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogate organism alongside naturally present microbial contaminants. This may serve as a valuable guideline for stakeholders in the food industry when addressing the efficacy of novel preservation treatments such as PEF in PBMA products with similar heat-induced product stability challenges.

Preliminary study on the application of waste bivalve shells as biofiller for the production of asphalt concrete

The shells of molluscs are a common by-product of the aquaculture industry, and their management represents a significant environmental challenge. Although mollusc farming is considered a low-impact food production, improper shell management could make bivalve farming less environmentally efficient. To address this issue, research is exploring new approaches to reduce waste accumulation and convert shell waste into a valuable resource. The shells of bivalves are functional materials from biological waste, composed mainly of CaCO3, and can be used as secondary raw materials in various applications. In order to meet the demanding environmental target, the road sector is increasing the use of recycled materials in new construction or maintenance of old ones. The present work illustrates the results of several laboratory tests carried out to determine the physical and chemical properties of three different crushed bivalve shells waste for the application as filler in asphalt concretes. The present study highlighted the similarity of these materials with the limestone filler since no significant discrepancy between the mechanical (or technical) performance of the biofiller and the traditional limestone filler are detected through the test carried out, promoting their use in new asphalt concrete mixtures.

Development of an unmanned ground vehicle for seed planting

As global population growth intensifies the demand for sustainable food production, the application of robotics to agriculture emerges as a promising solution. This research focuses on the design, development, and deployment of an unmanned ground vehicle for seed planting, also known as a robotic seed planter. The robotic seed planter automates seed planting processes, offering advantages such as increased accuracy, reduced labour requirements, and optimal resource usage. Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) Creo was used for the structural design, Proteus 8.14 for the circuitry design, and Arduino IDE 2.0 with Visual Studio Code for the programming. The design incorporates seed metering and drilling mechanisms guided by intelligent systems. Results show exceptional accuracy in seed placement (94%), operational efficiency, and adaptability to diverse conditions, with energy consumption relatively low. The planter is equipped with a web application for remote monitoring and control. The application is hosted on one of the microcontrollers and WebSockets protocol is utilized for inter-microcontroller communication. It offers an auto mode for automated planting and Manual mode for easier manoeuvrability. The findings of this study demonstrate the robotic seed planter’s transformative impact on precision agriculture, providing a glimpse into the future of efficient and sustainable farming operations.

Unleashing Customer Empathy in the Circular Economy: Development of A High-Calcium Fish Sausage Prototype from Fermented Fish Residue

In a circular economy, fermented fish residue could be converted into high-calcium fish bone powder for fish sausages to reduce fish waste. To create product concepts for such sausages, this study aimed to (1) identify customer behaviors, needs, and problems associated with purchasing fish sausages; (2) select high-value consumers of high-calcium fish sausages from fermented fish residues; and (3) propose product prototypes of high-calcium fish from fermented fish residues. We interviewed 50 sausage purchasers and a particular producer of calcium fish bone powder. Then, thematic analyses were performed to evaluate the minimum viable product (MVP) for the final high calcium fish sausage prototype. The research suggested that household consumers were the target market for this novel food. This result emphasized nutrition and sensory characteristics as the primary reason for purchasing sausages and indicated common problems with the inaccessibility of healthy sausages. Based on the findings, fish sausage should contain nutritional value and healthy ingredients to address the consumers’ pain points. This circular food system was estimated to make the food product more sustainable and resource-efficient when fully applied.

Irrigation of young grapefruits with desalinated seawater: agronomic and economic outcomes

Given the current scarcity of freshwater resources, it is imperative to explore new agricultural management options to sustainably enhance food production. Desalinated seawater (DSW) presents a promising solution for irrigation in water-stressed regions. However, its application in perennial crops has been poorly assessed, potentially posing challenges to existing cultivation practices due to higher associated costs, salinity, and the presence of potentially harmful elements, notably boron (B). To address these uncertainties, a three-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the short-term effects of irrigation with DSW on a ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit orchard. Four irrigation treatments were assessed: DSW, freshwater (FW), a 1:1 mixture of DSW and FW (MW), and DSW with reduced B concentration (DSW–B). At present, the young age of the trees (3.5 years) and their grafting onto a five-year-old rootstock at the beginning of the experiment likely facilitated rapid foliar mass development and prevented the accumulation of phytotoxic elements up to critical levels. However, local DSW consistently exceeded recommended citrus thresholds for B (0.5mgL–1), sodium (Na+; 115mgL–1), and chloride (Cl–; 250mgL–1) in irrigation water, resulting in significant concentrations of B (2.1mgkg–1), Na+ (504mgL–1) and Cl– (476mgL–1) in soil. Moreover, these levels led to concentrations in leaves close to defined thresholds in the case of Na+ (0.25g 100g–1), and exceeded them in the case of B (>250mgkg–1). Although fruit quality remained unaffected, variability in yield among trees and the cost disparity between water resources, resulted in slight fluctuations in the income-outcome balance during initial cultivation years. Our findings offer insights into the irrigation of sensitive crops with DSW, aimed at mitigating potential soil and plant harm from early accumulation of phytotoxic elements. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of both single and sustained DSW usage for irrigation purposes.

Linking Policies and Regulations to Sustainable finance for the promotion of urban agriculture: Evidence from Micro and Small Businesses

Urban agriculture is closely tied to several of the Sustainable Development Goals. It can play a critical role in helping to achieve these goals by promoting sustainable food production and consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating more sustainable cities. It is also considered a pathway for overcoming food security in urban areas. However, this needs to be integrated with policies and regulations supported by sustainable finance. Due to COVID-19, conflict, and lack of infrastructure in Ethiopia, several challenges must be addressed to promote urban agriculture to aid food security. Hence, this study is conducted to examine how government policies and regulations promote urban agriculture through sustainable finance in Ethiopia. The study employed both an explanatory research design and a mixed research approach. Multi-stage sampling techniques that include (Simple random sampling techniques and judgmental sampling were used. The data was collected from selected micro and small enterprises engaged in urban agriculture. The structural and measurement model is estimated with the help of smart-pls software version 4. The study's finding implies that government policies and regulations have an insignificant effect on urban agriculture. At the same time, the study finding implies that sustainable finance has an important mediating role between urban agriculture and government policies. Hence, the impact of government policies and regulations on urban agriculture is found to have an indirect effect. Based on the study's findings, the study recommends that all stakeholders promote innovation and entrepreneurship that promote urban agriculture through sustainable finance.

Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield, water-saving, and emission reduction in rice fields: A global meta-analysis

With limited natural resources and uncertain climate, increasing food production must mitigate the environmental impacts. Rice, a water-intensive grain crop, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agricultural systems. Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Irrigation stands out as the prevailing water-saving irrigation technique in rice fields worldwide. Nonetheless, the effects of AWD on yield variation, water conservation, and emissions reduction as well as the synergies and trade-offs between the effects remain unclear. Here a global meta-analysis of 437 literature sources covering 93% of global rice production was conducted to quantify changes in yield, water utilization, and GHG emissions following AWD implementation. Results show that, on a global scale, AWD reduces irrigation water usage by 33.88% and enhances water use efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, and water productivity by 20.27%, 47.58%, and 29.63%, respectively. However, there is a minor decrease in yield by 1.56%. Notably, AWD leads to a noteworthy 47.47% reduction in methane emissions, counterbalanced by a 52.20% rise in N2O emissions, ultimately resulting in a decrease in global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by 39.38% and 38.06%, respectively. The AWD threshold is the most significant predictive factor, adopting a suitable threshold can greatly improve the accuracy of AWD implementation. Soil properties also play a pivotal role, with pH levels > 7 or soil organic carbon (SOC) < 12 g/kg correlating to more pronounced yield losses. Implementing reasonable field management measures, such as suitable rice varieties and straw incorporation can effectively increase rice productivity. Approximately 60.36% of the data falls within the "win-win" zone, demonstrating simultaneous in yield increases, water conservation, and emissions reduction. AWD is more suitable for acidic soils with high SOC (>12 g/kg) and a light texture. This study introduces novel insights for analyzing the synergies and trade-offs within the food–water–climate nexus.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Spirogyra Species from Water Bodies in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand: Insights into Bioactivity and Antioxidant Potentialin

This study aimed to identify Spirogyra species collected from lentic (sampling site code CR01) and lotic (sampling site code CR02) water areas in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The diagnosis was proceeded by studying the morphological characteristics combined with molecular techniques with the chloroplast rbcL gene (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase). Additionally, the bioactive properties of Spirogyra extracts were evaluated through antimicrobial and antioxidant assays. The extraction was performed with water and ethanol extraction. The results indicated that the morphological characteristics of Spirogyra CR01 resembled Spirogyra neglecta, but the data of rbcL gene for this species were not available in the database. Therefore, the Spirogyra CR01 sequence was added to the GenBank database, representing the report of rbcL gene of Spirogyra neglecta sequencing data. Spirogyra CR02 was robustly identified as S. fluviatilisthrough molecular analysis. The extracts from both Spirogyra samples showed that the ethanolic extract has more activity than the water extract. The antimicrobial ability of the ethanolic extract from Spirogyra CR02 was observed to inhibit the growth of Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, while the ethanolic extract from Spirogyra CR01 only inhibited B. cereus. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of Spirogyra CR01 had statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) antioxidant activity, with the highest value recorded at 114.92±2.38 mg GAE/g extract. Overall, this study provides new sequencing information on the S. neglecta and their potential for use Spirogyra in functional food, functional ingredients and cosmeceutical products.

IOT Based Food Minitoring System

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative technology with wide-ranging applications, and one of its promising domains is in the field of food monitoring systems. This abstract introduces an innovative IoT-based Food Monitoring System designed to enhance food quality assurance and reduce waste in the supply chain. The proposed system integrates various IoT components, including sensors, actuators, and communication devices, to create a comprehensive solution for monitoring the entire lifecycle of food products. Key objectives of the system include real-time tracking of food conditions, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and minimizing the environmental impact associated with food waste. The implementation of this IoT-based Food Monitoring System offers several benefits, including improved food quality, reduced waste, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced consumer satisfaction. By leveraging the capabilities of IoT, this system addresses the challenges associated with maintaining food quality and safety while contributing to the overall sustainability of the food industry

An article reviews of anti-cataract activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Annona squamosa leaves

Other medicines and natural remedies have been used for the treatment and health of people since ancient times. Medicinal plants are considered useful and of the most important purpose. It can be applied to botanical medicines, nutraceuticals, medicines, food products, cosmetics, etc. There is an increasing demand for. Custard apples. It is a versatile tree whose fruit is edible and a source of medicine and products. It is used as antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cytotoxic activity, genotoxicity, antitumor activity, anti-inflammatory drug. Cataract is nothing but visual impairment caused by a defect in the lens. It is one of the causes of blindness worldwide; It accounts for approximately 42% of all blindness. One significant risk factor for the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts is long-term glucocorticoid usage. The preventive and therapeutic effects of many herbs such as onion, Chinese cinnamon and ginkgo, which have protective properties against cataracts, have been reported. This review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of custard apple leaf extract as an anti-cataract effec

Aflatoxin exploration in basmati brown rice collected from various locations of Lahore, Pakistan

Aflatoxins are produced by various fungal species, the two primaries being Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins contaminate various food products, resulting in them being toxic and unsafe for consumption, hence, being classified as potent carcinogens. In this paper, samples of brown basmati rice were analyzed for contamination with aflatoxins using the ELISA method. 50 brown rice samples were collected from various shops in Lahore, Pakistan, in the year 2019-2020. During summer, 25 of the samples were collected from April-September whereas the rest 25 were collected in winter from October-March. The rice samples were in a poor condition because of high levels of aflatoxin contaminations. The percentage of aflatoxins contamination for summer and winter was 88% and 80% respectively. Further, 60% of summer collected samples and 44% of winter collected samples exceeded the permissible level allowed by European Union (10μg/kg for total aflatoxins). The samples with the highest aflatoxin for summer contained 49.60±0.45μg/kg whereas for winter the concentration was 25.07±0.04 μg/kg. With regard to their toxic nature and harm to human health, these calculated levels were frightening. These show a dire need for the implementation of practices to monitor the quality of these rice by all the rice producers and storage holders in Pakistan.