scholarly journals Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxin B1 in Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) from Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Esther Marijani ◽  
Harrison Charo-Karisa ◽  
Emmanuel Kigadye ◽  
Sheila Okoth

Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) is the most consumed fish species in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Omena and the potential health risk of AFB1 to Kenyan consumers of this fish. A total of 74 samples comprising Omena intended for human consumption and fish feed production were analyzed in this study. Aflatoxin levels in Omena were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Omena intended for fish feed production was most contaminated with a mean concentration of 46.93 μg·kg−1 (2.24–115.23 μg·kg−1) compared with Omena intended for human consumption (mean = 19.42 μg·kg−1, range = 2.01–49.30 μg·kg−1). Thirty-five positive samples (83.3%) exceeded the maximum level permitted (5 μg·kg−1) by the East Africa Community standard for food used for human consumption. The exposure dose of AFB1 from consuming Omena was estimated to be 1.34 ng·kg−1 BW day−1, and margin of exposure (MoE) value for AFB1 was found to be 126.3, which indicates health risk to Omena consumers. The results suggest that the current situation of aflatoxin contamination in Omena has an adverse effect on the health of the consumers as well as the animals. Therefore, more surveys are needed to understand the scope and extent of aflatoxin contamination in Omena.

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahbuba Akter Lubna ◽  
Mita Debnath ◽  
Farzana Hossaini

Current study investigated the occurrence of aflatoxin contamination in poultry feed and feed materials in different poultry farms and feed factories in Bangladesh. A total of 100 samples of finished feed and raw feed materials were collected and tested through direct competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for total aflatoxin detection. Overall, 97% samples (n=97/100) in our study, were found positive for aflatoxin contamination. Among finished feed categories, layer grower feed contained highest level of aflatoxin with a mean value of 21.64 ppb whereas layer feed was less susceptible for aflatoxin contamination (mean value 9.49 ppb). Between raw feed materials, maize samples were highly contaminated (n=15/15, 100%) with aflatoxin while 86.67% soybean samples showed positive result. Twenty one percent (21%) of the samples in our study contained aflatoxin concentration more than the acceptable limit employed by USFDA and many other countries which might pose severe health risk to poultry and human consumer. Proper surveillance and immediate control measures should be taken to ensure safe poultry feed and feed materials. Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 35 Number 1 June 2018, pp 75-78


2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZLATKA BAJC ◽  
ANDREJ KIRBIŠ

ABSTRACT The concentrations of the trace elements zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and iron (Fe) were examined in Mediterranean blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Northern Adriatic Sea to determine whether there were site differences and seasonal variations in metal concentrations and to evaluate the potential health risks of consumption of these mussels to humans. Mussels were collected between January and October 2015 from three Slovenian shellfish harvesting areas and from a lighthouse near Debeli Rtič. The concentrations of elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The amount of each element decreased in the following order: Fe > Zn > (As, Mn) > (Cu, Cr) > (Ni, Co) > (Cd, Pb) > Hg. Statistical analysis revealed that time, that is, the month of sampling, significantly affected the concentrations of elements in mussels (P < 0.05). The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Hg, and Pb were highest between January and March and lowest between May and September. The concentrations of other elements in mussels were not higher or lower for several consecutive months, but occasionally (some months) lower or higher content was detected. The sampling site had a statistically significant effect only on the content of Cd, Pb, and Hg in mussels (P < 0.05). The lowest level of these elements was found in mussels from Seča, and the highest levels of Hg and Pb were found in mussels from Debeli Rtič. Debeli Rtič is, among all sampling points, closest to the outflow of the Soča River that brings heavy metals into the Northern Adriatic Sea from a closed Hg mine. Because the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Hg in all analyzed samples were below the maximum level permitted by Commission Regulation No 1881/2006, mussels were suitable for human consumption.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-396
Author(s):  
Sabbir Ahmed ◽  
Md. Abdul Baten ◽  
Md. Motaher Hossain ◽  
Md. Matiur Rahim ◽  
Md. Golam Rasul ◽  
...  

Aflatoxin contamination, particularly common in cultured fishes in Asian countries, are considered unsafe both for fish and human health. However, the presence of aflatoxin in cultured fish feed and their effect are still under estimated in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to assess the effects of aflatoxin on growth performance and residues in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Fish feed were treated with several concentration of aflatoxin as 0 ppb (T0, control), 25 ppb (T1), 50 ppb (T2) and 100 ppb (T3) and fed the tilapia fingerlings (n=10) in individual glass aquaria (24×12×12 inch, 105-litre capacity) conditions for 12 weeks. Comparatively higher body length (cm) and weight gain (g) were observed in treatment T0 (1.68 and 4.98) and T1 (1.60 and 5.48) than those of treatment T2 (1.31 and 4.06) and T3 (1.20 and 3.10), respectively. The specific growth rate (SGR) were almost similar in treatment T0 (52%), T1 (51%) and T2 (52%) whereas declined significantly (p<0.05) in T3 (39%). Higher survival rate was also demonstrated in treatment T0 (90%) and T1 (90%) whereas significantly decreased in treatment T2 (60%) and T3 (40%). The residue of aflatoxin was not detected in T0 and T1. On the contrary, the residual effect in tilapia fingerling was evident in T2 and T3 treatment. The findings of the present study revealed that aflatoxin contaminated feed is harmful for the growth performance and survival of O. niloticus fingerlings. Further study is necessary to safeguard the aquaculture production as well as to produce healthy food for human consumption.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
I. Salazar ◽  
I. López ◽  
P. Glorio-Paulet ◽  
C. Gomez

Research regarding aflatoxin contamination levels in Peru is limited, although aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) require surveillance because of their toxicity. European regulations state that the harmonised maximum level (ML) is 5 μg/kg for AFB1 in feedstuffs and 0.05 μg/kg for AFM1 in milk. Our study aimed to determine the annual variation levels of AFB1 in ingredients used in feedstuffs for dairy cows and those of AFM1 in milk at a typical intensive dairy farm in Northern Peru. For 1 year, milk (n=529) and feedstuff samples (n=235) were collected and aflatoxin levels were determined using a lateral flow immunoassay. We found that 16% of milk samples had AFM1 contamination above the ML. AFM1 level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in December (end of spring) than that in all other months. Throughout the year, the most used feedstuffs were maize, soybean meal and whole soybean. Among the maize samples (n=77), 2.59% had an AFB1 level above the ML, whereas 45% had an AFB1 level below the ML. On the other hand, neither the soybean meal (n=69) nor whole soybean samples (n=64) had an AFB1 level above the ML, 46.4 and 20%, respectively. In 50% (n=10) of cottonseed meal samples, AFB1 level was above the ML; in 20% of wheat middling samples, it was above the ML. Cottonseed and wheat middling samples were used for 2 and 5 months, respectively. AFB1 level in feedstuff showed a significant difference in December (P<0.05) compared with other months, specifically for maize and soybean meal. As the AFM1 level in milk results from AFB1 contaminated feedstuff, our results emphasise the need to implement specific quality measures to reduce contamination.


1990 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.W. Denning ◽  
J.A. Sykes ◽  
A.P. Wilkinson ◽  
M.R.A. Morgan

1 Sera from 28 Nepalis, both patients and workers in a hospital in Banepa, Nepal were examined for AFB1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 2 This assay, previously validated using spiked sera, provides a sensitive rapid determination of serum aflatoxin (B1, G1 and Q1). 3 All 28 sera were positive with concentrations from 60 pg ml-1 to 10 ng ml-1 . 4 These results suggest that consumption of aflatoxin in Nepal is high (> 50-800 ng kg -1 d-1). 5 No reports of the degree of contamination of food, human consumption or body fluid concentrations of aflatoxin in Nepal have been previously published. 6 Aflatoxin may contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is probably a common tumour in Nepal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuthamat RATTIKANSUKHA ◽  
Sittisuk SRATONGTIAN ◽  
Rungruang JANTA ◽  
Surasak SICHUM

Metal contamination in seafood may cause adverse effects on human health. The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of cadmium and mercury in seafood from the coastal area of Nai Thung sub-district, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, and to evaluate the potential health risk of seafood consumption. A total of 46 samples (including 26 species of fish and shellfish) were caught in March and July 2018. Results indicated that the concentrations of metals in seafood samples were within the standards established for human consumption. However, cadmium concentrations in most shellfish samples were higher than the fish samples, and mercury in fish was higher than other marine organisms. The health risk assessment (HRA) of cadmium and mercury in seafood consumption was between 0.0004 - 0.07 and 0.001 - 0.035, respectively. The results showed that seafood from Nai Thung was unlikely to affect human health.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 641-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.C. de Rijk ◽  
H.P. van Egmond ◽  
H.J. van der Fels-Klerx ◽  
R. Herbes ◽  
M. de Nijs ◽  
...  

In March 2013 a large shipment of maize, intended for feed was subject of an alert in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission (EC) because the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) level in the load exceeded the EC regulated maximum level of 20 μg/kg. Since the shipment had passed import controls and was already distributed (mainly to German farms), a massive recall followed. The aim of the current study was to investigate questions, raised by authorities and industry, related to the effectivity of EU sampling procedures, the influence of sample homogenisation procedures and sample storage conditions on the test results, and fungal identification as unexpected mycotoxins were identified during this study. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority seized a shipload of maize in July 2013, suspected to be contaminated with AFB1. The shipload was sampled according to the 2009 and 2013 EC Sampling Regulations to compare the outcomes of both sampling protocols. Mycotoxin analysis of the incremental samples showed high mean levels of AFB1, aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Also an extreme inhomogeneous distribution of aflatoxins and OTA was proven. Analysis of samples homogenised according to the slurry method showed improved performance as compared to samples homogenised through dry homogenisation. Sampling and sample homogenisation according to the Regulation from 2013 showed a closer estimate of the ‘true’ AFB1 content as compared to sampling according to the Regulation from 2009. No influence of laboratory storage conditions on AFB1 concentration could be determined. Fungal identification revealed Aspergillus flavus as the main source of AFB1 in this shipment. Infrequent occurrence of Aspergillus parasiticus might have been the source of AFG1. The occurrence of sometimes large amounts of OTA could not be explained, however it was suggested that Aspergillus welwitschiae might have played a role.


HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 511E-511
Author(s):  
S.-S.T. Hua ◽  
J.L. Baker ◽  
M. Flores-Espiritu

California is the major state for producing almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, with a total market value of $1.6 billion. Both domestic and export markets of these nuts presently allow a maximum level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in the edible nuts to be 20 ppb. Even very low degrees of infection of the nuts by A. flavus can result in aflatoxin levels above the mandatory standards. Biological control to reduce the population of and to inhibit the biosynthesis of A. flavus in orchards may be useful to decrease infection and thus aflatoxin content in the edible nuts. Certain saprophytic yeasts were shown to effectively compete with postharvest fungal pathogens such as Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. The potential of saprophytic yeasts to reduce aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts has not been hitherto extensively explored. A safe visual bioassay for screening yeasts antagonistic to A. flavus has been developed. The nor mutant of A. flavus has a defective norsolorinic acid reductase and blocks the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, resulting in the accumulation of norsolorinic acid, a bright red-orange pigment. We used the nor mutant in the assay to screen yeasts strains for their ability to inhibit aflatoxin production by visually scoring the accumulation of this pigment as well as the growth and sporulation of the fungus. Yeast strains that reduced the red-orange pigment accumulation in the nor mutant were identified and shown to inhibit aflatoxin biosynthesis of several toxigenic strains of A. flavus.


1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 73-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. W. Ho ◽  
T.-Y Tam

A total of 64 beach water samples with various bacteriological quality (Grades 1 to 4) were analysed for their bacteriological and parasitological contents (E coli and Giardia cysts respectively). Results indicated that Giardia cysts were detected in less than 10% of the Grade 1 beach water samples with E coli concentrations of &lt;24/100mL. For Grades 2, 3 & 4 beach water samples, Giardia cysts were found, respectively, in 85, 50 and 64% of the samples. Except for one beach water sample which had an unusually high concentration of Giardia cysts (23 cysts/L), they were generally present at moderate concentrations (&lt;10 cysts/L) in all other beach water samples. Despite moderate levels of Giardia cysts present in beach water of different grades, the potential health risk faced by swimmers bathing in local beach water needs to be carefully assessed as Giardia is known to have a low infectious dose.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Diao ◽  
Yinyin Xia ◽  
Xuejun Jiang ◽  
Jingfu Qiu ◽  
Shuqun Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are widely used as additive in the food industry with controversial health risk. Gut microbiota is a new and hot topic in the field of nanotoxicity. It also contributes a novel and insightful view to understand the potential health risk of food-grade SiO2NPs in children, who are susceptible to the toxic effects of nanoparticles. Methods In current study, the young mice were orally administrated with vehicle or SiO2NPs solution for 28 days. The effects of SiO2NPs on the gut microbiota were detected by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, and the neurobehavioral functions were evaluated by open field test and Morris water maze. The level of inflammation, tissue integrity of gut and the classical indicators involved in gut–brain, gut–liver and gut–lung axis were all assessed. Results Our results demonstrated that SiO2NPs significantly caused the spatial learning and memory impairments and locomotor inhibition. Although SiO2NPs did not trigger evident intestinal or neuronal inflammation, they remarkably damaged the tissue integrity. The microbial diversity within the gut was unexpectedly enhanced in SiO2NPs-treated mice, mainly manifested by the increased abundances of Firmicutes and Patescibacteria. Intriguingly, we demonstrated for the first time that the neurobehavioral impairments and brain damages induced by SiO2NPs might be distinctively associated with the disruption of gut–brain axis by specific chemical substances originated from gut, such as Vipr1 and Sstr2. Unapparent changes in liver or lung tissues further suggested the absence of gut–liver axis or gut–lung axis regulation upon oral SiO2NPs exposure. Conclusion This study provides a novel idea that the SiO2NPs induced neurotoxic effects may occur through distinctive gut–brain axis, showing no significant impact on either gut–lung axis or gut–liver axis. These findings raise the exciting prospect that maintenance and coordination of gastrointestinal functions may be critical for protection against the neurotoxicity of infant foodborne SiO2NPs.


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