8. Assessment of fungal flora and total aflatoxins in spices sold at retail outlets of two districts of Hazara division, KPK, Pakistan
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Abstract
Pakistan belongs to subtropical countries of the world, having harsh weathering conditions. Hot and humid storage conditions favor fungal growth especially Aspergillus flavus which produce aflatoxins in food commodities. Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced in cereals and cause mutagenesis, teratogensis, multiple types of cancers and several other medical complications. To assess the mycological load and aflatoxins concentration in four types of spices namely; black pepper, red pepper, cinnamon and clove. Three cities of Hazara region were (Haripur, Havelian, Abbottabad) were selected for the study. Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate aflatoxins concentration in spices. Total 26 samples were randomly taken from different markets and shops of spices for the mycological load and total Aflatoxins concentration. Some of the identified species are able to produce Aflatoxins, which is highly toxic to animal and human cells. Five fungal species identified are Aspergillus flavus (17%), Aspergillus niger (53%), Penicillium chyrosgenum (7%), Fusarium oxysporum (17%), Aspergillus parasiticus (6%). Although the concentration of Aflatoxins was mainly lower than permissible limit 10 µg/kg but the presences of Aflatoxins producing fungi is a clear indication that the samples are contaminated by fungi during pre- or pro- harvesting stage or during storage. Aflatoxins concentration may increase in the spices at storage from where the samples were taken because the environment is favorable for the growth of fungi.
Keywords: Aflatoxins; Aspergillus flavus; ELISA; mycological load; Secondary metabolitres