Co-occurrence of aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , G 2 , zearalenone and fumonisin B 1 in Brazilian corn

Two hundred and fourteen unprocessed corn samples (1997-98 harvest), collected at wholesale markets in different regions in Brazil, were surveyed for the occurrence of mycotoxins. The samples were analysed for aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , G 2 , zearalenone and fumoni1sin B 1 using in-house validated methods. The occurrence of aflatoxin B 1 , zearalenone and fumonisin B 1 was found in 38.3, 30.4 and 99.1% of the samples, respectively. Aflatoxin B 1 , zearalenone and fumonisin B 1 contamination levels varied from 0.2 to 129, 36.8 to 719, and 200 to 6100 μg/kg, respectively. The cooccurrence of the two carcinogenic mycotoxins aflatoxin B 1 and fumonisin B 1 was observed in 100% of the aflatoxin-contaminated samples (82 samples). Cooccurrences of aflatoxin B 1 : zearalenone: fumonisin B 1 and aflatoxin B 1 : aflatoxin B 2 : fumonisin B 1 were found in 18 and 43 samples, respectively.     

Aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in sorghum grains marketed in Tunisia

A total of 64 samples of sorghum (37 Tunisian sorghum samples and 27 Egyptian sorghum samples) were collected during 2011–2012 from markets in Tunisia. Samples were analysed for contamination with aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and zearalenone by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FLD). Aflatoxin B1 was found in 38 samples in the range 0.03–31.7 µg kg^?1. Ochratoxin A was detected in 24 samples with concentrations ranging from 1.04 to 27.8 µg kg^?1. Zearalenone was detected in 21 samples and the concentration varied between 3.7 and 64.5 µg kg^?1. ANOVA analysis of the influence of the country of origin on the incidence and concentration of mycotoxins in the samples studied showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two batches of samples for each of the three mycotoxins studied. The studied mycotoxins contaminate sorghum and may also co-exist because of the diversity of the mycobiota in this cereal.     

Occurrence of aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 in some Brazilian pet foods

The presence of cereals and grains in the formulation of pet foods suggests the need to control aflatoxin contamination in these foods. The objective of the study was to analyse domestic pet food to determine the occurrence of aflatoxins as well as their risk to animal health. One hundred food samples (45 for dogs, 25 for cats, 30 for birds) were collected at random from pet shops in Alfenas city, south-east Brazil. Thin-layer chromatography was used for separation, identification and quantification of the compounds after validation of the method. Aflatoxins were detected in 12.0% of the samples. Levels of aflatoxins (B 1 + B 2 + G 1 + G 2 ) above the maximum limit established in Brazil (50 µg kg -1 ) for animal food were detected in five of the 12 positive samples (41.7%). The concentration of total aflatoxins was 15-374 µg kg -1 (mean 131 µg kg -1 ). All samples containing peanuts were positive for aflatoxin B 1 . Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and their consumption might be a risk for domestic animal health. The high prevalence of aflatoxin B 1 in foods prepared for birds, species highly susceptible to aflatoxins, shows the need for the re-evaluation of the use of peanuts (present in seven of the eight samples positives for aflatoxin) and/or the addition of fungicides to the food.     

Aflatoxin M<Subscript>1</Subscript> in pasteurized and raw milk from organic and conventional systems

Aflatoxin M₁ is one of the most common toxic natural substances found worldwide. It metabolizes from aflatoxin B₁ that is present in the diet of mammals. In this study, 84 milk samples were investigated in total, and 63 (75 %) were contaminated with aflatoxin M₁ above the limit of detection. No difference was observed between the samples from organic and conventional systems (0.021 vs. 0.018 µg/kg; p > 0.05). There was no difference between pasteurized and raw milk samples (0.018 vs. 0.020 µg/kg; p > 0.05). None of the samples contained aflatoxin M1 above the maximum level permitted by Brazilian Legislation (0.5 µg/kg for fluid milk). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of aflatoxin M₁ through organic and conventional milk consumption was also evaluated. In this study, the EDI-values for aflatoxin M₁ did not pose a toxicological risk for the population. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on aflatoxin M₁ levels in organic milk from Brazil.     

Aflatoxin M1 and B1 in Colombian milk powder and estimated risk exposure

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) were determined in 51 milk powder samples purchased from different grocery stores located in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Analysis was conducted using QuEChERS extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results from the analytical method showed recovery ranges from 65% to 110% and relative standard deviations lower than 20%. AFM₁ was detected in 100% of the milk samples (0.20–1.19 µg/kg) and 55% exceeded the maximum level in milk (0.5 µg/kg) set by the Colombian and European regulations. AFB₁ was not detected in any of the analysed samples. Considering the measured contamination the maximum AFM₁ level that can be ingested by consumption of milk powder is 0.007–0.013 µg/person/day. These values are above the average dietary intake estimated in Latin America according to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee, which is 0.0035 µg/person/day.     

Aflatoxin B1 levels in groundnut and sunflower oils in different Sudanese states

In this article, the level of contamination of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in groundnut and sunflower oils was determined. The 241 oil samples were collected from Khartoum, Gezira, Kordofan and Algadarif states of Sudan and assessed for AFB₁ using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). AFB₁ levels in groundnut oil samples ranged from 0.5 to 70 µg/kg and were 0.7 to 35 µg/kg in sunflower oil samples. High contamination was found in unrefined samples. It was concluded that AFB₁ levels in oil samples indicated that growing, harvesting, handling and storage of the crops were not done properly.     

Aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin in wheat and wheat products from supermarkets in China

Wheat is an important cereal but it is often contaminated with mycotoxins. The natural occurrence of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and sterigmatocystin (STC) was determined in 178 food samples (32 wheat samples and 146 wheat products) purchased from Chinese supermarkets. The methodology was validated, the wheat and wheat products samples were treated with a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). From these samples 18.8% of wheat and 8.2% of cracker samples were contaminated with AFB₁. Mean levels were 0.06 µg/kg and 0.05µg/kg, respectively. There was no AFB₁ contamination in white bread or whole meal bread. Meanwhile 53.1% of wheat, 59.2% of crackers, 20.8% of white bread and 16% of whole meal bread samples were contaminated with STC. The mean levels were 0.07, 0.79, 0.12 and 0.12 µg/kg respectively. Although the levels were low, this demonstrates the need for more comprehensive surveys for these two mycotoxins in wheat and wheat products from China.     

A survey of the incidence and level of aflatoxin contamination in a range of imported spice preparations on the Irish retail market

The aflatoxin contents of 130 commercial spice preparations, including pepper, chilli, curry powder, cayenne, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric and cumin, were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Samples were obtained from various retail outlets in Ireland, including supermarkets, shops and market stalls. Aflatoxin B1 gave the highest incidence of contamination in spice preparations and was found in 20 of the 130 samples. The highest concentration of aflatoxin, 27.5 μg/kg, was detected in a sample of chilli powder; next highest was in a sample of cayenne pepper which contained 18.5 μg/kg. Five samples (3.8%), consisting of chilli, cayenne pepper and turmeric pepper, were above the regulatory limits of the European Union. Aflatoxin contamination was not detected in cumin or cinnamon samples at a level of quantitation (LOQ) <0.2, <0.1, <0.5, <0.3 μg/kg for B1, B2, G1 and G2, respectively.     

Surveys of aflatoxin B1 contamination of retail Turkish foods and of products intended for export between 2007 and 2009

Surveys were carried out between 2007 and 2009 to determine the aflatoxin B₁ content of 3345 commercial Turkish foodstuffs supplied by producers for testing for their own purposes or for export certification. To simplify the reporting of data, foods were categorized as: 1, high sugar products with nuts; 2, nuts and seeds; 3, spices; 4, grain; 5, cocoa products; 6, dried fruit and vegetables; 7, processed cereal products; 8, tea; and 9, baby food and infant formula. Aflatoxin analysis was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity column clean-up, with a recoveries ranging from 91% to 99%, depending on the matrix. Of the 3345 samples analysed, 94% contained aflatoxin B₁ below the European Union limit of 2 µg kg^?1, which applies to nuts, dried fruit, and cereals products. The 6% of the 206 contaminated samples were mainly nuts and spices. For pistachios, 24%, 38%, and 42% of the totals of 207, 182, and 24 samples tested for 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, were above 2 µg kg^?1, with 50 samples containing aflatoxin B₁ at levels ranging from 10 to 477 µg kg^?1.     

Survey of breakfast and infant cereals for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2.

Three hundred and forty-nine breakfast and infant cereal samples were collected at retail level across Canada from 2002 to 2005. They included rice-, soy-, barley-based and mixed-grain infant cereals, corn-, wheat-, rice-based and mixed-grain breakfast cereals, and were analysed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 using a modified AOAC International official method. An immunoaffinity column was used for the cleanup and purification of extracts. Determination of aflatoxins was by LC using post-column derivatization with pyridinium hydrobromide perbromide and fluorescence detection. Results indicated that 50% of both breakfast and infant cereals had detectable levels (limit of detection = 0.002 ng g-1) of aflatoxin B1, which is the most toxic of the four toxins. The levels found varied from 0.002 to 1.00 ng g-1 for aflatoxin B1, from 0.002 to 0.14 ng g-1 for aflatoxin B2, from 0.008 to 0.27 ng g-1 for aflatoxin G1, and from 0.008 to 0.048 ng g-1 for aflatoxin G2. Only 4% of the breakfast cereals and 1% of the infant cereals had aflatoxin B1 levels exceeding 0.1 ng g-1, which is the European Union maximum limit for aflatoxin B1 in baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定花生制品中的黄曲霉毒素B1、B2、G1、G2

采用高效液相色谱-串联质谱建立了高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定花生制品中4种黄曲霉毒素(B1、B2、G1、G2)的方法.结果表明,在ESI正离子模式下,高效液相色谱-串联质谱法的最低检出限为0.2μg/kg,定量限为0.6 μg/kg;标准工作液在0.5～50.0μg/kg的范围内线性良好,相关系数达到0.9990.     

Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxins in dried figs and nuts in Algeria

The presence of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin (AF) contamination was investigated in 112 samples of peanuts, almonds and dried figs collected in Algeria. The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) in different commodities has been determined with a sensitive method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection with post-column photochemical derivatisation. Analytical results indicated that 28 samples of peanuts, 16 samples of almonds and 26 samples of dried figs contained detectable levels of AFs. A total of 69 samples (61.6%) were contaminated with AFB1 ranging from the limit of quantification to 174 µg kg^?1. AFB2 was found in 12 samples (10.7%) and varied from 0.18 to 193 µg kg^?1. Seven samples revealed AF concentrations lower than the limit of quantification. Eleven peanut and fourteen dried fig samples exceeded the European maximum limits for AFB1.     

Single-Laboratory Validation for the Determination of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in Foods Based on Immunoaffinity Column and Liquid Chromatography with Postcolumn Derivatization and Fluorescence Detection

This study presents a method validation procedure for the determination of aflatoxin B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂ in hazelnut, hazelnut paste, walnut, peanut, pistachio, corn, and wheat. The method consisting of clean-up with immunoaffinity column, high performance liquid chromatography with postcolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection was validated in accordance with Commission Regulation 2004/882/EC. The selectivity, linearity, decision limit, detection capability, detection and quantification limits, precision, recovery, ruggedness, and measurement uncertainty of the method were determined. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values (μg/kg) were: aflatoxin B₁, 0.02, 0.07; aflatoxin B₂, 0.01, 0.02; aflatoxin G₁, 0.02, 0.07; and aflatoxin G₂, 0.01, 0.03. The relative standard deviation values for the repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility were below 4 and 5 %, respectively. The recovery values of the spiked samples ranged from 80 to 105 %. These results complied with minimum performance criteria established by regulation 2006/401/EC. Therefore, the procedure can be implemented for the routine analysis of aflatoxins in the studied matrices.     

Occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in animal- and plant-derived food: results of a survey across Europe

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary metabolites of plant families such as Asteraceae or Boraginaceae and are suspected to be genotoxic carcinogens. Recent investigations revealed their frequent occurrence in honey and particularly in tea. To obtain a comprehensive overview of the PA content in animal- and plant-derived food from the European market, and to provide a basis for future risk analysis, a total of 1105 samples were collected in 2014 and 2015. These comprised milk and milk products, eggs, meat and meat products, (herbal) teas, and (herbal) food supplements collected in supermarkets, retail shops, and via the internet. PAs were detected in a large proportion of plant-derived foods: 91% of the (herbal) teas and 60% of the food supplements contained at least one individual PA. All types of (herbal) teas investigated were found to contain PAs, with a mean concentration of 460 µg kg^?1 dry tea (corresponding to 6.13 µg L^?1 in [herbal] tea infusion). The highest mean concentrations were found in rooibos tea (599 µg kg^?1 dry tea, 7.99 µg L^?1 tea infusion) and the lowest in camomile tea (274 µg kg^?1 dry tea, 3.65 µg L^?1 tea infusion). Occurrence of PAs in food supplements was found to be highly variable, but in comparable ranges as for (herbal) tea. The highest concentrations were present in supplements containing plant material from known PA-producing plants. In contrast, only 2% of the animal-derived products, in particular 6% of milk samples and 1% of egg samples, contained PAs. Determined levels in milk were relatively low, ranged between 0.05 and 0.17 µg L^?1 and only trace amounts of 0.10–0.12 µg kg^?1 were found in eggs. No PAs were detected in the other animal-derived products.     

Occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in peanuts and their products marketed in the region of Campinas, Brazil in 1995 and 1996.

Samples of peanuts and their products marketed in the region of Campinas, Brazil in 1995 and 1996 were analysed in terms of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 by thin-layer chromatography, aiming at the protection of consumer health. Of the 80 samples analysed, 35 of peanuts and 45 of peanut products, 41 (51%) presented contamination with aflatoxin, 11 of them being peanuts (27%) and 30 being products (67%), in a range of 43 to 1099 micrograms/kg for B1 + B2 + G1 + G2 with a 90th percentile of 415 (B1 + G1) and of 615 (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2). The results also demonstrated that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) reached the highest incidence and the highest upper limits compared with all the other aflatoxins.     

Aflatoxins in cotton seeds and cotton seed cake from Pakistan

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to evaluate the natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in cotton seeds (n = 110) and cotton seed cake (CSC; n = 110) from Pakistan. All samples were screened by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Positive samples were further quantified by IAC-HPLC-FLD. Total contamination frequency and aflatoxins mean levels were 80% and 69 μg/kg in cotton seeds and the corresponding values for cotton seed cake 88% and 89 μg/kg, respectively. Aflatoxin B1was found in all positive samples and co-occurred with AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. Sixty-four cotton seeds and 71 CSC samples contained aflatoxins levels higher than the ML set for animal feed (20 µg/kg). The results of the present study will help the regulatory authorities to formulate strategies for monitoring aflatoxins in animal feeds.     

Natural occurrence of aflatoxins (B1 and M1) in feed,plasma and raw milk of lactating dairy cows in Beja,Tunisia, using ELISA

Beja is an agricultural area in northwest Tunisia. It contributes to national needs by offering cereals and milk to the market for human and animal consumption. A small number of studies on mycotoxin occurrence in feedstuffs and raw milk from lactating dairy cows in this region are available. Therefore, 226 samples were collected from farms and local markets during November 2008 until April 2010. Samples consisted of 112 raw cow milk, 56 blood from lactating cows and 58 feed destined for dairy cows. Plasma and feed were analysed for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Milk samples were analysed for aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁). All samples were treated using a simultaneous methanolic-aqueous extraction, followed by immunoaffinity column clean-ups and were investigated by competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Recoveries were 80%–95% and 81%–92% for AFB₁ and AFM₁, respectively, while the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01?µg/kg or µg/l for both mycotoxins. Results revealed the presence of AFB₁ in 84.4% of the feed samples (mean 18.7?±?1.4?µg/kg), and 39.2% of the plasma-examined samples (median 7.1?±?1.0?µg/l) were found to be contaminated at levels higher than the Tunisian and the European Union (EU) limit for dairy animals, which are 20 and 5?µg/kg in animal feed, respectively. AFM₁ was detected in 60.7% of the cow raw milk samples examined (median 13.6?±?1.4?µg/l). Contaminated levels were higher than the EU limit of 0.05?µg/l. It was concluded that more precaution should be taken on hygiene controls in order to prevent fungal contamination.     

Aflatoxin B1 and total fumonisin contamination and their producing fungi in fresh and stored sorghum grain in East Hararghe,Ethiopia

Natural contamination of sorghum grains by aflatoxin B₁ and total fumonisin and their producing toxigenic fungi has been studied. A total of 90 sorghum grain samples were collected from small-scale farmers’ threshing floors and 5–6 months later from underground pits during 2013 harvest from three districts of East Hararghe, Ethiopia. Mycotoxin analysis was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The limits of detection were in the range 0.01–0.03 μg kg^–1. The results revealed that all sorghum grain samples were contaminated with both Aspergillus and Fusarium species. Aflatoxin B₁ was detected at levels ranging from ?1 grain. There were marked variations in aflatoxin B₁ concentrations between fresh and stored samples, with much higher levels in the latter. Total fumonisin levels varied between 907 and 2041 µg kg^?1 grain across the samples. Lowest total fumonisin was recorded in freshly harvested sorghum grain samples. Sorghum is a main staple cereal in the studied districts and its consumption per day per person is high. Daily intake of low doses of mycotoxin-contaminated food stuff over a period of time could lead to chronic mycotoxicosis.     

Determination of aflatoxin B1 in dried figs by visual screening, thin-layer chromatography and ELISA

Aflatoxin B1-contaminated fruits were sorted out from 250 kg dried figs (five Turkish and three Greek batches) by bright-greenish-yellow fluorescence under UV light. The aflatoxins of the fluorescent figs were extracted by simple soaking in methanol. Aflatoxin B1 was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Parallel to this, an extraction for the determination of aflatoxin B1 was developed by a competitive ELISA and the two methods were compared with each other. In a highly contaminated batch of Turkish figs, statistically there was one fig among 350 which had a high aflatoxin content (greater than 100 ng/g fig) and one fig amongst 140 fruits with an aflatoxin B1 content of greater than 10 ng B1/g fig.     

Natural co-occurrence of ochratoxin A,ochratoxin B and aflatoxins in Sicilian red wines

The natural occurrence of ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B, aflatoxin B₁, aflatoxin B₂, aflatoxin G₁ and aflatoxin G₂ (OTA, OTB, AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, AFG₂) in red wines was investigated by HPLC/FLD after immunoaffinity column clean-up in 57 market samples produced in Sicily (Italy). The results showed a very low incidence of these mycotoxins in analysed samples, confirming the high degree of quality and safety of Sicilian red wines. The results indicated 71.9% and 64.9% positive samples for OTA and OTB respectively, with an average level of 0.13 μg l^–1, well below the European maximum permitted levels (MLs). The aflatoxin most frequently detected in the samples was AFG₁, present in 57.9% of samples, while the other aflatoxins were rarely present. Recovery experiments were carried out on eight mycotoxin-free red wines spiked with OTA, OTB, AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁ and AFG₂ at two different levels. The limits of detection (LODs) in wines were 0.02 µg l^–1 for OTA, 0.04 µg l^–1 for OTB, 0.03 µg l^–1 for AFG₁, AFG₂ and AFB₂, and 0.05 µg l^–1 for AFB₁. A good correlation was found, with good performances in term of precision for the method.