A study of the 2013 Western European issue of aflatoxin contamination of maize from the Balkan area

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Level ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Fungal Identification ◽  
Sampling Protocols ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Slurry Method ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Aflatoxin B ◽  
Sampling Procedures

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.

scholarly journals Aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania: quantifying the problem in maize and groundnuts from rural households

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
S.B. Boni ◽  
F. Beed ◽  
M.E. Kimanya ◽  
E. Koyano ◽  
O. Mponda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Aflatoxin Level ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Aflatoxin B

Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which contaminate food and feed and threaten human and animal health. To assess the prevalence of aflatoxins in Tanzania, 180 groundnut and 200 maize samples were collected from 9 and 10 districts, respectively. Aflatoxin contamination was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Aflatoxins were detected in samples collected from all districts and prevalence ranged from 92 to 100% for groundnuts and 10 to 80% for maize. The mean aflatoxin level for groundnuts was 6.37 μg/kg and the highly contaminated sample had 40.31 μg/kg. For maize, the mean aflatoxin level was 12.47 μg/kg and the highly contaminated sample had 162.40 μg/kg. The estimated average probable daily intake (APDI) of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from groundnuts consumption was 1.88 ng/kg body weight/day, while for maize, it ranged between 151.98-272.89 ng/kg body weight/day. The APDI for both groundnut and maize exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of AFB1 for adults (1 ng/kg body weight/day), bringing about health concerns for populations in Tanzania. Another alarming finding was that 75% of the farmers who provided samples for analysis were not aware of aflatoxins or the negative health impacts from consuming contaminated products. Results reported in this paper show that aflatoxin contaminated staple crops are widely distributed in Tanzania and that the risk of human exposure is high due to diet preferences. Awareness campaigns are required to inform and protect farmers and consumers.

Aflatoxin B1 contamination of feedstuff on a dairy farm in Northern Peru and aflatoxin M1 concentrations in raw milk

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
I. Salazar ◽  
I. López ◽  
P. Glorio-Paulet ◽  
C. Gomez
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Northern Peru ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Aflatoxin B

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.

scholarly journals Surveillance of Aflatoxin and Microbiota Related to Brewer's Grain Destined for Swine Feed in Argentina

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisela A. Gerbaldo ◽  
Carina M. Pereyra ◽  
Lilia R. Cavaglieri ◽  
Francisco Ruiz ◽  
Liliana Pascual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Natural Contamination ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Aflatoxin B ◽  
Prevalent Species ◽  
Regular Practice

Córdoba province in the center of Argentina is an important area of swine production. The use of industry by-product (brewer's grain) as feedstuff for swine is a regular practice and increases animal performance on these animals production. The occurrence of aflatoxin contamination is global, causing severe problems especially in developing countries. No reports on aflatoxin B1production, micoflora, and potential aflatoxin B1producing microorganism from brewer's grain are available. The aims of this study were (1) to isolate the microbiota species from brewer's grain, (2) to determine aflatoxin B1natural contamination levels, and (3) to determine the ability ofAspergillussectionFlaviisolates to produce aflatoxinsin vitro. Physical properties, total fungal counts, lactic acid bacteria, and fungal genera distribution were determined on this substrate. In 65% of the samples, fungal counts were higher than recommended by GMP, and lactic bacterium counts ranged from1.9×105to4.4×109 CFUg−1.Aspergillusspp. prevailed over other fungal genera.Aspergillus flavuswas the prevalent species followed byA. fumigatus. Aflatoxin B1levels in the samples were higher than the recommended limits (20 ng g−1) for complementary feedstuffs. SeveralAspergillussectionFlavistrains were able to produce aflatoxin B1  in vitro. Inadequate storage conditions promote the proliferation of mycotoxin-producing fungal species. Regular monitoring of feeds is required in order to prevent chronic and acute toxic syndromes related to this kind of contamination.

scholarly journals Use and efficacy of low temperature plasma in foods: promising intervention on aflatoxin control in maize in Kenya – A review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 18662-18675
Author(s):  
Hannah Mugure Kamano ◽  
◽  
Michael Okoth ◽  
Wambui-Kogi Makau ◽  
Patrick Patrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Low Temperature Plasma ◽  
Plasma Technology ◽  
Temperature Plasma ◽  
Hermetic Storage ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
The Right

Maize (Zea mays var. indentata L.) is the most important food security crop in Kenya and plays an important role in human nutrition. Mycotoxins (MTs) are fungal toxic metabolites which naturally contaminate food and feed. When ingested, inhaled or adsorbed through the skin, even in very small concentrations, are associated with various cancers, retarded growth, suppressed immunity and mutations among other complications. Aflatoxins especially aflatoxin B1, are considered the most lethal in the group of more than three hundred known mycotoxins. In Kenya, aflatoxin contamination in maize leads to huge losses in the country’s breadbasket and also in the grain reserves. One of the possible methods for control of the aflatoxin menace in maize would be through the use of plasma technology. Plasma, an electrically energized matter in form of a gas that is generated at different atmospheric pressures, has several uses. At low temperature, it makes the process of decontamination practical, inexpensive and suitable for products whereby use of heat is not desired. Non thermal plasma, a new discipline in food processing has been shown to destroy micro-organisms including spores to undetectable levels. Over the years, there has been increased concern over the rising cases of aflatoxin poisoning in Kenya due to contaminated maize. The presence of aflatoxins is promoted by various factors, among them poor storage conditions, soil type, insect activity and drought conditions before harvest. Several measures including use of hermetic storage types such as pics (Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage) bags to store maize and proper drying of maize to the right moisture content to discourage mould growth have been suggested and used to tackle the aflatoxin menace. In Mexico and Caribbean countries, nixtamalization is widely practised and has been used to reduce aflatoxin in tortilla. Nixtamilization involves cooking the maize in an alkaline solution resulting in detoxification. The traditional nixtamalization and extrusion cooking processes have been combined in making of the dough (masa) for corn tortillas and have shown better success in elimination of aflatoxin. The main challenge with the use of this method of detoxification is acidification of aflatoxin extracts, which occurs during digestion and can lead to a rebuilding of the aflatoxin molecule leading to poisoning. The application of low temperature plasma technology can bring much needed reprieve in tackling the aflatoxin menace in maize and other foods both in Kenya and even worldwide.

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
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Exposure Dose ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Aflatoxin B

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.

scholarly journals An in Vitro Antifungal and Antiaflatoxigenic Properties of Commiphora myrrha and Prunus mahaleb

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Saifeldin A. F. El-Nagerabi ◽  
Mohammed S. R. Al-Maqbali ◽  
Khalid M. S. Alabri ◽  
Abdulkadir E. Elshafie
Keyword(s):  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Total Aflatoxin ◽  
Prunus Mahaleb ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Aflatoxin B

Aflatoxins and especially aflatoxin B, are the devastating contaminant of food and feed products with hazardous effects to mankind and his domestic animals. These investigations were set to evaluate the effect of various levels of Commiphora myrrha resin (1.0, 1.25, 2.25, and 3.25 g/100 ml) and Prunus mahaleb seed extract (0.75, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 g/100 ml) on the growth and aflatoxin secretion by two aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The two plant extracts significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased aflatoxin secretion, and inhibited the fungal growth. Resin of C. myrrha displayed 51.9-95.7% reduction in total aflatoxin secretion by A. flavus, and 46.9-92% for A. parasiticus, and Seed extract of P. mahaleb decreased aflatoxin up to 53.7-95.8% and 40-94.7%, respectively. The inhibition of aflatoxin B (B1 and B2) by myrrh resin and seed extract of mahaleb ranged between 51.7-93.5, 50-93.6% (A. flavus) and 39.5-89.7%, 37.9-93% (A. parasiticus). The mycelial dry weight of A. flavus and A. parasiticus ws decreased up to 46.1-58.7%, 28.9-51.3% (Myrrh resin), and between 45-56.9%, 33.3-55.9% (Mahaleb seed extract). Nonetheless, the two plant extracts did not detoxify aflatoxin B1. Therefore, it apparent that the resin of C. myrrha and seed extract of P. mahaleb affected the biosynthesis pathway of aflatoxins. Thus, they can be recommended as effective natural plant biopreservative against aflatoxin contamination of food and feed products.

scholarly journals 393 The Potential of Saprophytic Yeasts Antagonistic to Aspergillus flavus in Reducing Aflatoxin Contamination of Tree Nuts

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 511E-511
Author(s):  
S.-S.T. Hua ◽  
J.L. Baker ◽  
M. Flores-Espiritu
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Penicillium Expansum ◽  
Orange Pigment ◽  
Tree Nuts ◽  
Norsolorinic Acid ◽  
Low Degrees ◽  
Aflatoxin B

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.

scholarly journals A Novel Niosome-Encapsulated Essential Oil Formulation to Prevent Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize Grains During Storage

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 646 ◽  
Author(s):  
García-Díaz ◽  
Patiño ◽  
Vázquez ◽  
Gil-Serna
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Oil Formulation ◽  
Scale Test ◽  
Encapsulation Method

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination of maize is a major concern for food safety. The use of chemical fungicides is controversial, and it is necessary to develop new effective methods to control Aspergillus flavus growth and, therefore, to avoid the presence of AFs in grains. In this work, we tested in vitro the effect of six essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic plants. We selected those from Satureja montana and Origanum virens because they show high levels of antifungal and antitoxigenic activity at low concentrations against A. flavus. EOs are highly volatile compounds and we have developed a new niosome-based encapsulation method to extend their shelf life and activity. These new formulations have been successfully applied to reduce fungal growth and AF accumulation in maize grains in a small-scale test, as well as placing the maize into polypropylene woven bags to simulate common storage conditions. In this latter case, the antifungal properties lasted up to 75 days after the first application.

The certification of the aflatoxin mass fractions in peanut butter

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-289
Author(s):  
G. Buttinger ◽  
S. Harbeck ◽  
R. Josephs
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Method ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Method Performance ◽  
Mass Fractions ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Combined Uncertainty ◽  
Aflatoxin B ◽  
Certified Values

In the context of control activities contamination of food and feed with aflatoxins is a frequently observed non compliance. Pistachios, peanuts and products thereof are particularly affected. The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements has therefore produced a peanut butter material certified for its aflatoxin mass fractions. This certified reference material (CRM) allows for the evaluation of analytical method performance and the assessment of the comparability of results from different laboratories. The CRM was produced using naturally contaminated raw materials to ensure equivalent behaviour compared to samples routinely encountered. The homogeneity and stability of the CRM were thoroughly tested and certified values were determined in an inter-laboratory study. Furthermore, uncertainties of the certified values were assessed including contributions of the homogeneity, stability and certification studies to the combined uncertainty. This newly prepared CRM allows an assessment of trueness of the analytical method at a concentration level corresponding to the legal limits enforced in the European Union. The material has the following certified properties: aflatoxin B1 1.77±0.29 µg/kg, aflatoxin B2 0.48±0.07 µg/kg, aflatoxin G1 0.9±0.4 µg/kg, aflatoxin G2 0.31±0.12 µg/kg and total aflatoxins, as sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, 3.5±0.5 µg/kg.

scholarly journals Occurrence of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut products consumed in the State of São Paulo/Brazil from 1995 to 1997

1999 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrna Sabino ◽  
Thais Valéria Milanez ◽  
Leda Conceição Antonia Lamardo ◽  
Emiko Ikejiri Inomata ◽  
Maria Ângela Pompeu Zorzetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Legal Limits ◽  
Inspection Service

One hundred and thirty seven samples of peanuts and peanut containing foods were collected in markets in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, between January 1995 an December 1997. Most of the samples were collected by the Inspection Service of São Paulo Secretary of Health. The foods included raw peanuts, peanut candies ("paçoca" and "pé de moleque"), peanut butter, fried/roasted salted peanuts, "torrone", chocolate coated peanuts and salt-coated peanuts. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins using a thin-layer chromatographic method. About 45% of the samples were positive for aflatoxins and 27% exceeded the limits of the Brazilian legislation (30.0 µg.kg-1 for aflatoxins B1+G1). The aflatoxins were confirmed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid. The 90th percentile was 110.0 in 1995, 60.0 in 1996 and 118.0 µg.kg-1 in 1997. The aflatoxins concentration in the raw peanut samples ranged from 5.0 to 382.0 µg.kg-1 and 27.1% were above the legal limits. Contamination in peanut candies was above the limit in 32.8% of the samples and the aflatoxins levels ranged from 6.0 to 494.0 µg.kg-1. Contamination of salty peanuts was less frequent, around 10% of the samples and the toxin levels were usually below 10 µg.kg-1. The maximum level of contamination, 536.0 µg.kg-1, was found in a sample of peanut with a salty coat ("amendoim japonês"). Results of previous studies in peanuts and peanut products in the city of São Paulo from 1980-1987 had 68.75% of the samples with levels greater than the limit 30.0 µg.kg-1 and the 90th percentile ranged from 42.0 to 333.0 µg.kg-1. In 1994, 36.0% of the samples showed results above the limit and the 90th percentile was 489 µg.kg-1. The results show that aflatoxins contamination in peanuts is decreasing but it is still a serious problem in Brazil, a country where the climate, the agricultural practices and storage conditions favour fungal growth.

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