Occurrence of contaminants in foods commonly consumed in Bahrain

The occurrence of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol), heavy metals and pesticide residues in 198 susceptible food commodities available in Bahrain was determined. Aflatoxins were found in many of the foods tested and three samples of red chili powder (35.9, 52.6 and 69.2 ng/g), one sample of black pepper powder (27.7 ng/g) and one sample of unshelled pistachio nuts (81.6 ng/g) exceeded the maximum allowable limit of aflatoxins. Zearalenone was present in some samples including cornflakes (3.1 ng/g) and crushed wheat (0.3 ng/g). Although many samples contained heavy metals, one sample of cinnamon powder (13.0 μg/g) and one sample of black pepper powder (11.2 μg/g) exceeded the maximum allowable limit for lead. The average levels of cadmium were highest in cinnamon powder (0.3 μg/g) and ginger powder (0.3 μg/g). Some amount of pesticides was found in cumin powder (0.06 μg/g of lindane), turmeric power (0.04 μg/g heptachlor) and coriander powder (0.4 μg/g permethrin). Almonds, peanuts, cashew nuts infant formulas were free of contaminants. Although the contamination of most foods in Bahrain was within the limit, strengthening of the food control systems is important.