Aflatoxin B₁and aflatoxins in ground red chilli pepper after drying

Abstract

In this study, 180 red chilli pepper (RCP) berry samples were obtained from two different croplands of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş (Turkey) in August, September and October. RCP berry samples were dried under sunlight and grinded. Ground red chilli pepper (GRCP) samples were analysed for aflatoxins (AFs, sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2) and AFB1 contamination. According to the results, in 49 of 180 samples, AFB1 and in 37 samples, AFs were higher than legal limits. The lowest amounts of AFs and AFB1 were obtained in August and the highest amounts in October. χ(2) analysis showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between cities among 3 months according to number of samples with AFs and AFB1 above legal limits. According to the Duncan multiple-range test, there was no significant difference between all months. Strict measures are necessary to produce high-quality GRCP. RCP berry must be treated to reduce moulds before production of GRCP.

Circulating Aflatoxin B1-Related TP53 Mutation Detected by Digital PCR in Tunisian Patients with and Without Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…The Nabeul governorate is a major agricultural region in Tunisia with large segments of irrigated cultures dedicated to the production of oranges (Citrus reticulata) or chili pepper (Capsicum), the latter used in the national condiment Harissa. The spoilage of oranges (i.e., fruits and juice) or chili pepper with Aspergillus and their subsequent contamination by aflatoxin have been already described (35,36). Our results should represent a strong incentive to conduct field studies in Nabeul governorate and elsewhere in the country with the aim of finding the eventual source of AFB1.…”

Aflatoxins: Implications on Health

“…Frequent contamination of Aflatoxin in spices in tropical countries is attributed to atmospheric temperature, humidity and the drying and processing conditions. Several countries reported contamination of aflatoxin in ground red pepper [12][13][14]. Several other spices such as cumin, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, coriander etc.…”

Determination of Common Spices and Herbs Contamination with Aflatoxin in Al Majmaah Province

“…For instance, In Turkey, Ozkan etal. 28 analyzed 180 samples of red chili for AFs and AFB1. They found that total AFs and AFB1 in 20.5% and 27.5 % of samples was higher than the legal limits of Turkish food codex.…”