Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A content of spices in Hungary

In October and November 2004, 91 spice samples (70 ground red pepper, six black pepper, five white pepper, five spice mix and five chilli samples), the majority of which originated from commercial outlets, were analysed for aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after immunoaffinity column clean-up. Eighteen of the 70 ground red pepper samples contained AFB1, seven of them in a concentration exceeding the 'maximum level' of 5 µg kg^-1 (range 6.1-15.7 µg kg^-1). Of the other spices assayed, the AFB1 contamination of one chilli sample exceeded 5 µg kg^-1 (8.1 µg kg^-1). Thirty-two of the 70 ground red pepper samples contained OTA, eight of them in a concentration exceeding the 10 µg kg^-1 'maximum level' (range 10.6-66.2 µg kg^-1). One chilli sample was contaminated with OTA at 2.1 µg kg^-1. The AFB1 and OTA contamination of ground red pepper exceeding the 'maximum level' (5 and 10 µg kg^-1, respectively) was obviously the consequence of mixing imported ground red pepper batches heavily contaminated with AFB1 and OTA with red pepper produced in Hungary. This case calls attention to the importance of consistently screening imported batches of ground red pepper for aflatoxin and ochratoxin A content and strictly prohibiting the use of batches containing mycotoxin concentrations exceeding the maximum permitted level.     

Occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in cooked food components of whole meals marketed in fast food outlets of the city of Sa~o Paulo, SP, Brazil

Samples of cooked components of regular meals served at fast food outlets of the city of Sa~oPaulo, Brazil were analysed for aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂. The 322 samples were composed of prepared traditional Brazilian and ethnic foods in which aflatoxins might be present. Thin-layer chromatography was used for separation of the compounds and their determination was achieved by both long wave UV light and fluorodensitometry. Aflatoxins were detected in 30 samples (9.31% of the total) in a range of 2.80 to 1323 ng/g for B_{1 +} B_{2 +} G_{1 +} G₂ with 90th percentiles of 158 (B_{1 +} G₁) and 258 (B_{1 +} B_{2 +} G_{1 +} G₂). Aflatoxin B₁ was detected in all contaminated samples. The contamination levels and frequency of aflatoxins B₁ and G₁ in positive samples above 20 ng/g in this study are high, indicating that there is a certain degree of exposure of the population to the carcinogenic aflatoxin.     

Survey of aflatoxins in beer sold in Canada

Between March 1998 and March 2002, 304 samples of domestic (Canadian) and imported beers from 36 countries were picked up for the determination of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂. Twelve samples were positive with aflatoxins greater than the limit of quantitation (LOQ) (aflatoxin B₁, 4.4 ng l^-1; aflatoxin B₂, 3.4 ng l^-1; aflatoxin G₁, 11.2 ng l^-1; and aflatoxin G₂, 6.2 ng l^-1). Five samples from Mexico, two samples from Spain and one from Portugal contained aflatoxin B₁. Four samples from India contained aflatoxins B₁ and B₂. The remaining samples contained less than the LOQ for aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂. The analytical method for this survey was based on that of Scott and Lawrence (Scott PM, Lawrence GA. 1997. Determination of aflatoxins in beer. Journal of AOAC International 80:1229-1234.). Aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ were determined at parts per trillion (ng l^-1) levels in beer by immunoaffinity column cleanup followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid and reversed-phase liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.     

Survey for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and fumonisins in maize imported into the United Kingdom

This survey examined 140 samples of raw maize as received at ports or at major maize mills in the UK and 12 after initial cleaning. Samples were examined for aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and fumonisins B₁, B₂ and B₃ using fully validated analytical HPL C methods with detection limits of 0.1 mu g/kg for each aflatoxin and ochratoxin A, 4 mu g/ kg for zearalenone and 10 mu g/kg for each fumonisin. 95.0% and 92.1% of samples met the new EC statutory maximum permissible level for total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B₁ respectively. The maximum concentration of ochratoxin A found was 1.5 mu g/kg. Zearalenone and fumonisins were detected in almost every sample with 41.7% of maize containing more than 100 mu g/kg of zearalenone and 48% of samples containing more than 1000 mu g/kg total fumonisins. Initial cleaning of raw maize reduced aflatoxin concentrations by about 40% and total fumonisins by 32%.     

Consumers' ability to discriminate aflatoxin-contaminated Brazil nuts

The objectives of the study were to investigate the extent to which consumers can separate nuts with a high content of aflatoxin from sound nuts, and whether sorting results can be improved by information or whether they are affected by certain factors. A test panel consisting of 100 subjects was asked to crack 300 g Brazil nuts and to sort the nuts into those they considered edible and inedible. The test showed that consumers can, on current behaviour, discriminate aflatoxin-contaminated Brazil nuts to a significant extent. The median and the 95th percentile of the total concentrations of aflatoxins (B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂) in the samples before sorting were 1.4 and 557 µg kg^-1, respectively, and in the edible fractions after sorting 0.4 and 56 µg kg^-1, respectively. Given that levels of aflatoxins before sorting exceed either 2 µg aflatoxin B₁ kg^-1 or totally 4 µg aflatoxins kg^-1, there was no effect of aflatoxin concentrations before sorting on the probability of exceeding these thresholds in the edible fraction. This means that similar sorting results were obtained for samples with aflatoxin levels exceeding either of the two thresholds, irrespective of if the thresholds were exceeded with a few µg kg^-1 or up to more than 1000 µg kg^-1. None of the tested factors (such as sex, age, level of education, ethnic background or knowledge of mycotoxins) had any effects on the probability of exceeding either of the two aflatoxin thresholds.     

Aflatoxins in ginseng roots

Ginseng roots can be infected by molds during growth, harvest and storage and result in contamination with mycotoxins. In this study, an analytical method for the determination of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂, a group of structurally similar mycotoxins, in ginseng root was developed. Test samples were extracted with methanol-water (8 + 2), diluted and passed through an immunoaffinity column packed with antibodies specific for aflatoxins. The purified extract was then derivatized with a mixture of water, trifluoroacetic acid and acetic acid. Aflatoxins were then separated and quantified by reverse phase liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence detection. Recoveries of total aflatoxins at 2, 4, 8 and 16 ng/g added to toxin-free 4 to 5-year old dried sliced Wisconsin ginseng were 92, 77, 91 and 83% respectively; and relative standard deviations were 3.6, 8.0, 6.9 and 2.0% respectively. A total of 11 wild simulated and 12 cultivated ginseng root samples were analysed for aflatoxins. All cultivated roots were found to be free of aflatoxin contamination. Two of the wild simulated roots contained total aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ at 15.1 and 15.2 ng/g. One moldy ginseng root purchased from a grocery store was found to be contaminated with aflatoxins at 16 ng/g.     

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.     

Mycotoxins in spices and herbs–An update

Spices and herbs have been used since ancient times as flavor and aroma enhancers, colorants, preservatives, and traditional medicines. There are more than 30 spices and herbs of global economic and culinary importance. Among the spices, black pepper, capsicums, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cloves, dill, mint, thyme, sesame seed, mustard seed, and curry powder are the most popular spices worldwide. In addition to their culinary uses, a number of functional properties of aromatic herbs and spices are also well described in the scientific literature. However, spices and herbs cultivated mainly in tropic and subtropic areas can be exposed to contamination with toxigenic fungi and subsequently mycotoxins. This review provides an overview on the mycotoxin risk in widely consumed spices and aromatic herbs.     

Aflatoxins contamination in spices and processed spice products commercialized in Korea

A survey for total aflatoxins (aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂) was conducted on 88 spices and processed spice products commercialized in Korea. The presence of aflatoxins was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector using immunoaffinity column clean-up. Total aflatoxins (AFs) are detected in 12 samples (13.6% of incidence) including seven red pepper powder, two red pepper pastes (Kochujang), two curry and one ginger product. The contamination levels are 0.08–4.45 μg/kg as aflatoxin B₁ and 0.08–4.66 μg/kg as AFs. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis on contaminated samples was conducted for the confirmation of detected aflatoxins. The 12 samples which showed aflatoxins by HPLC/FLD were confirmed as aflatoxins by LC–MS/MS.     

市售调味酱中5种真菌毒素的测定

建立了用超高效液相色谱-串联质谱同时检测芝麻酱、花生酱及黄豆酱中5种真菌毒素(黄曲霉毒素B1、黄曲霉毒素B2、黄曲霉毒素G1、黄曲霉毒素G2、赭曲霉毒素A)的检测方法.样品采取乙腈-甲酸-水(70∶1∶29,体积比)混合溶液提取,利用多功能净化柱净化,采用1％的甲酸水相和混合甲醇-乙腈有机相进行梯度洗脱,经多反应监测模...     

Aflatoxins B1 in different grades of chillies (Capsicum annum L.) in India as determined by indirect competitive-ELISA

Samples of the three grades of chilli pod (grades 1 to 3) were collected during surveys in 1998 and 1999 from the principal market yards and cold storage facilities of the major chilli-growing areas of Andhra Pradesh (AP), India. Chilli powders were collected from different supermarkets in Hyderabad, AP. They were analysed for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) content by an indirect competitive ELISA. To avoid the influence of interfering substances present in chilli extracts, it was necessary to prepare the aflatoxin standards in methanol extracts of chillies free from aflatoxins. For nine representative samples there was good agreement between ELISA and HPLC estimations of AFB₁ and the results suggested that the ELISA procedure adopted was dependable. Of the 182 chilli samples tested, 59% of the samples were contaminated with AFB₁ and 18% contained the toxin at non-permissible levels. The highest AFB₁ concentration of 969 µg/kg was found in one sample representing grade 3. Overall the maximum percentage of chilli pods showing AFB₁ levels higher than 30 µg/kg (non-permissible levels) was in grade 3. Chilli pods stored in refrigerated rooms showed the lowest proportion of samples containing aflatoxin. Nearly 9% of the chilli powders sold in supermarkets contained non-permissible aflatoxin levels. This report highlights the importance of using grade 1 chilli pods to minimize aflatoxin contamination.     

Aflatoxin formation and gene expression in response to carbon source media shift in Aspergillus parasiticus

Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic polyketide metabolites produced by fungal species, including Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The biosynthesis of aflatoxins is modulated by many environmental factors, including the availability of a carbon source. The gene expression profile of A. parasiticus was evaluated during a shift from a medium with low concentration of simple sugars, yeast extract (YE), to a similar medium with sucrose, yeast extract sucrose (YES). Gene expression and aflatoxins (B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂) were quantified from fungal mycelia harvested pre- and post-shifting. When compared with YE media, YES caused temporary reduction of the aflatoxin levels detected at 3-h post-shifting and they remained low well past 12 h post-shift. Aflatoxin levels did not exceed the levels in YE until 24 h post-shift, at which time point a tenfold increase was observed over YE. Microarray analysis comparing the RNA samples from the 48-h YE culture to the YES samples identified a total of 2120 genes that were expressed across all experiments, including most of the aflatoxin biosynthesis genes. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified 56 genes that were expressed with significant variation across all time points. Three genes responsible for converting norsolorinic acid to averantin were identified among these significantly expressed genes. The potential involvement of these genes in the regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis is discussed.     

Occurrence of aflatoxins in layer feed and corn samples in Konya province, Turkey

The natural occurrence ofaflatoxin was investigated in layer feed and corn samples brought to Konya Veterinary Control and Research Institute Laboratory between 15 April and 15 December 2002. Seventy-eight samples (52 feeds, 26 corn samples) were analysed for total aflatoxin (B₁ + B₂ + G₁ + G₂) by an ELISA screening method. Aflatoxin contamination was determined in 37 feed samples (71.1%) and 15 corn samples (57.7%), with a range of1.5-133 μg kg^-1. However, a majority ofthe aflatoxin contamination was less than 5 μg kg^-1 (50% within the positive samples). Two feed samples and two corn samples exceeded the maximum tolerated levels in feed (20 μg kg^-1) and feedstuffs (50 μg kg^-1) for total flatoxin.     

RADIATION STERILIZATION OF SPICES FOR HOSPITAL FOOD SERVICES AND PATIENT CARE

A survey of the commercial spices used by food services in a typical hospital environment revealed high contamination with microorganisms, i.e., 10⁴ to 10⁷ counts per gram. The predominant microorganisms were as followed (in colony counts/gram): (1) heat-resistant bacterial spores in black pepper, 1 × 10⁷; thyme, 2 × 10⁶; anise, 7 × 10⁴; curry powder, 4 × 10⁵; poultry seasoning, 8 × 10⁴; pickling spice, cardamom, and cumin, 1.5–3 × 10⁴; (2) mixed populations of vegetative cells and bacterial spores in cumin, 1 × 10⁶; (3) molds in cream of tartar, 2 × 10⁴. Sterility of food may be important in a hospital setting, especially in the care of immunocompromised patients. To eliminate the organisms, we recommend radiation treatment, accompanied by appropriate microbiological quality control. On the basis of radiation survival data, the composite natural flora would be reduced to the level of "commercial sterility" (defined as less than 10 organisms per gram((Kiss 1982) by the following minimum radiation doses (in kGy): black pepper, 13; thyme, 13; cumin, 12; anise, 10; curry, 7.3; pickling spice, 7; poultry seasoning, 6; cardamom, 9.4; cream of tartar, 4. For practical purposes, two dose levels can be recommended for treatment of spices in the hospital environment, low = 6–10 kGy and high = 10–15 kGy.     

A simple steady-state model for carry-over of aflatoxins from feed to cow's milk

A simple steady-state model is derived from two kinetic one-compartment models for the disposition of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁₎ and aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in the lactating cow. The model relates daily intake of AFB₁ in feed of dairy cattle and the cow's lactation status to resulting concentrations of AFM₁ in milk. Moreover, assuming a linear relationship between the cow's lactation status and feed intake, the model relates daily milk production and AFB₁ concentration in total feed to AFM₁ levels in milk. The model explains similar experimental outcomes from different investigations into carry-over of aflatoxins from feed to milk. Although it is difficult to set a permanent limit for AFB₁ in feed, the European Union (EU) limit of 5 µg AFB₁ kg^-1 concentrate has proved, thus far, to be an appropriate level in preventing the EU limit of 0.05 µg AFM₁ kg^-1 milk being exceeded.     

Natural co-occurrence of fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and aflatoxins in field trial corn in Argentina

Corn samples collected from the main production area in Argentina in 1995 were surveyed for the natural occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and aflatoxins. Fumonisins B₁, B₂ and B₃ and zearalenone were found in all samples. A positive relationship was found between fumonisins B₁, B₂ and B₃, B₁ and B₃, and B₂ and B . Deoxynivalenol and aflatoxins were not de3 tected. Mycological survey has also revealed the predominance of Fusarium moniliforme . This is the first report on the simultaneous occurrence of fumonisins and zearalenone in corn from the main production area in Argentina.     

Occurrence of aflatoxins in selected spices in Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the contamination of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂ in some selected spices (n = 84) in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian province of Poland. Aflatoxins were found in 63.1 % of the analysed samples. The presence of these compounds was confirmed in all the samples of pepper, nutmeg and turmeric. The maximum content for the sum of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, G₁ exceeding the acceptable level (10 μg/kg) was 16.91 μg/kg in one sample of nutmeg and 12.1 μg/kg in one sample of pepper, whereas in one sample of nutmeg the maximum content was equal to the regulatory limit. The lowest degree of contamination was found in black pepper.     

Evaluation of Garam Masala Spices and Phosphates as Antioxidants in Cooked Ground Beef

ABSTRACT:  This study determined antioxidant effects and sensory attributes of individual ingredients (black pepper, caraway, cardamom, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, salt, star anise) of an Indian spice blend (garam masala) in cooked ground beef. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were measured as an indicator of rancidity for cooked samples on 1-, 8-, or 15-d refrigerated storage. Cooked samples were evaluated by a trained panel ( n = 13) for the intensity of rancid odor/flavor, beef flavor, and spice flavor and correlated with TBA values of same day samples. We also investigated possible additive effects between spice antioxidants and iron binding (type II) antioxidants on lipid oxidation by measuring TBA values. All spices had antioxidant effects on cooked ground beef, compared to controls. Among spices, cloves were the most effective in controlling lipid oxidation, with TBA values of 0.75, after 15-d refrigerated storage. All spices at their recommended levels lowered rancid odor and flavor in cooked ground beef, compared to controls. As expected, most spices also imparted distinctive flavors to cooked ground beef. There was a positive correlation (0.77) between TBA values on 15-d refrigerated storage and rancid odor/flavor. Type II antioxidants (iron-binding phosphate compounds) were more effective than individual type I antioxidants (spices and butylated hydroxytoluene; BHT) for maintenance of low TBA values in cooked ground beef during storage. Additive effects were observed with rosemary + milk mineral or sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) compared to rosemary alone.     

Occurrence of fumonisins B1 and B2 in Portuguese maize and maize-based foods intended for human consumption

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and fumonisin B₂ (FB₂) are mycotoxins mainly produced by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum, which are field pathogens of maize. A survey was conducted on the incidences of FB₁ and FB₂ in both maize and derived products purchased in Portugal. The analytical method involved extraction with methanol-water, clean-up by immunoaffinity column and derivatization with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde. Determination was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with spectrofluorimetric detection, with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) confirmation. The presence of FB₁ and FB₂ was determined in 67 samples of maize and maize-based foods, such as flour, semolina, starch, sweet maize, cornflakes and other breakfast cereals, and snacks collected in 2005. FBs were found in 15 samples at concentrations ranging from 113 to 2026 µg kg^-1. Two of the samples showed higher contamination levels than the limits established by the European Commission Regulation. None of the samples contained levels of fumonisins that would lead to an exposure exceeding the tolerable daily intake (TDI).