Determination of aflatoxin B1 in tiger nut-based soft drinks

Analysis and evaluation of in vitro bioaccessibility of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in plant-based milks

Plant-based milks emerge as a healthy and vegan alternative for human diet, but these foodstuffs are susceptible to be contaminated by aflatoxins. A new method based on SPE and HPLC-MS/MS analysis was optimized and validated to test the presence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 analysis in almond, oat, rice and soy commercial milks. Moreover, aflatoxin bioaccessibility was evaluated through an in vitro digestion assay applied to each type of spiked milk. Aflatoxins B1, B2 and G1 were detected in one soy milk sample below the LOQ, fulfilling the limits stablished by the European Legislation. The final bioaccessibility percentages were highly dependent on the type of mycotoxin and sample matrix, the highest and the lowest values were obtained for AFB2 (82%-92%) and AFG1 (15%-30%), whereas AFB1 (28%-50%) and AFG2 (32%-76%) values resulted more influenced by the plant-based milk matrix.

Mycotoxin Contamination of Beverages Obtained from Tropical Crops

This review is mainly centered on beverages obtained from tropical crops, including tea, nut milk, coffee, cocoa, and those prepared from fruits. After considering the epidemiological data found on the matrices above, the focus was given to recent methodological approaches to assess the most relevant mycotoxins. Aspects such as singularities among the mycotoxin and the beverage in which their were found, and the economic effects and repercussions that the mycotoxin-tainted ingredients have on the beverage industry were pointed out. Finally, the burden of their consumption through beverages, including risk and health effects on humans, was addressed as well.

A survey of pathogens associated with Cyperus esculentus L (tiger nuts) tubers sold in a Ghanaian city

Background

Cyperus esculentus L, is a minor but important crop in Ghana. They are noted mostly by their aphrodisiac properties among others. The nuts are often eaten raw as an unprocessed snack due to its rich flavour and texture. Though eaten raw, the nuts are sometimes handled unhygienically, posing a public health threat. This study therefore aimed at determining the level and distribution of parasitic and bacterial contaminants associated with the crop as it is sold.

Results

Four types of intestinal parasites were identified, and the most prevalent was Cryptosporidium parvum (30.0%). Nuts contaminated with parasites were found only among street vendors. Bacteriological examination showed three different groups of bacterial isolates with the most prevalent being coliforms (54.2%). Unlike parasites, bacteria isolates were found among samples from both street vendors and market places. Multiple drug resistance was displayed by Proteus vulgaris.

Conclusions

Buying and eating nuts as well as other fruits taken raw from street vendors and market places could pose a significant public health threat. There is a need for efficient monitoring systems for food borne pathogens in Ghana.

Occurrence of aflatoxins in tigernuts and their beverages commercialized in Spain

A method based on matrix solid phase dispersion extraction was applied to determine aflatoxins B(1), B(2), G(1), and G(2) from tigernuts and tigernut beverages. Recoveries of each aflatoxin from tigernut (spiked at 10 microg/kg level) and from tigernut beverages (spiked at 10 microg/L level) ranged from 72.3 to 82.1% and from 74.0 to 86.3%, respectively. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.21 to 1.49 microg/kg (for tigernuts) and from 0.13 to 0.57 microg/L (for tigernut beverages) studied using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The proposed extraction method followed by liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection determination was applied to 37 and 25 samples of tigernuts and tigernut beverages, respectively, 3 positives being found in each category.