Determination of Aflatoxins in Dried Fruits of Afghanistan

Authors: Abubaker P* , Abdul MA and Nasrine R

DOI: 10.23880/fsnt-16000273

Volume 6, Issue 4

Abstract

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and toxic to human beings. In this research work, the amount of aflatoxins contamination in seventy-two samples of dried fruits; Such as; Almonds and Raisins from processed raisins and almonds in Kabul city and Kabul customs, including twenty-one sample of almonds with shells, seven samples of pistachios with shells, six samples of almonds without shells, ten samples of pistachios without shells and twenty-eight samples of red raisins by using fluorometer is determined. Quantitative results show that 15 samples have 4 or less than 4 ppb aflatoxin, 21 samples have 5-10 ppb aflatoxin and the rest 35 samples have 10-25 ppb of aflatoxin. Similarly, in 27 samples of the almond amount of aflatoxins has been investigated, in all almond samples under investigation, none of the samples contained more than 22 ppb aflatoxin, which could be used as food. Ten samples are containing 4 ppb and less aflatoxin. Factors that play a role in the production of aflatoxins in almonds include Moisture, heat, microscopic effects of insects and organisms, storage time of almonds, infection shield and some other conditions. From the study, it was concluded that a continuous and strict national monitoring plan is needed to improve quality and safety of dried fruits supply in Afghanistan.

Keywords: Aflatoxins: Mycotoxins; Toxicity; Contamination; Fluorometry

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