Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Charcoal, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Aflatoxin Adsorbents in Chocolate

The high incidence of aflatoxins (AFs) in chocolates suggests the necessity to create a practical and cost-effective processing strategy for eliminating mycotoxins. The present study aimed to assess the adsorption abilities of activated charcoal (A. charcoal), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus as AFs adsorbents in three forms-sole, di- and tri-mix-in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) through an in vitro approach, simulated to mimic the conditions present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) based on pH, time and AFs concentration. In addition, the novel fortification of chocolate with A. charcoal, probiotic, and yeast (tri-mix adsorbents) was evaluated for its effects on the sensory properties. Using HPLC, 60 samples of dark, milk, bitter, couverture, powder, and wafer chocolates were examined for the presence of AFs. Results showed that all the examined samples contained AFs, with maximum concentrations of 2.32, 1.81, and 1.66 µg/kg for powder, milk, and dark chocolates, respectively. The combined treatment demonstrated the highest adsorption efficiency (96.8%) among all tested compounds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed the tested adsorbents to be effective AF-binding agents. Moreover, the novel combination of tri-mix fortified chocolate had a minor cytotoxicity impact on the adsorptive abilities, with the highest binding at pH 6.8 for 4 h, in addition to inducing an insignificant effect on the sensory attributes of dark chocolate. Tri-mix is thus recommended in the manufacturing of dark chocolate in order to enhance the safety of the newly developed product.

Lead, cadmium, and aluminum in raw bovine milk: Residue level, estimated intake, and fate during artisanal dairy manufacture

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and aluminum (Al) in raw bovine milk. Milk consumption was used to calculate the estimated weekly intake (EWI), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) for individuals. Metal distribution in dairy products and byproducts was studied as a result of artisanal processing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five raw bovine milk samples were collected from artisanal producers in Alexandria city, West Delta, Egypt, and analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of artisanal dairy processing on metal distribution was studied.

RESULTS

The averages of Pb, Cd, and Al in milk samples were 45.06, 4.77, and 2.93 μg/l, with 13.33% and 1.33% of analyzed samples had Pb and Al levels higher than the permissible limits, respectively. The EWI values of Pb, Cd, and Al were 1.050, 0.111, and 0.068 μg/kg body weight, which contributed to about 4.20%, 1.59%, and 0.97% from the PTWI, respectively. The THQ of three metals was <1, which referred to safe consumption. Metal residues were heavily concentrated in artisanal cheese and yogurt after coagulation and fermentation compared with other dairy products. Accordingly, the maximum average and reduction values of Pb, Cd, and Al were 745.87, 51.99, and 71.58 μg/l and -72.87%, -56.5%, and -40.96% in Damietta cheese; 535.51, 40.11, and 62.43 μg/l and -24.11%, -20.74%, and -22.94%) in Kareish cheese; and 418.42, 31.26, and 50.66 μg/l and 3.02%, 5.90%, and 0.27% in yogurt, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that consumption of raw bovine milk did not pose a risk to Alexandria citizens. Metal concentration increased in artisanal cheese and yogurt because of metal bio-gathering after coagulation and fermentation. Fat separation, churning, and boiling milk might keep metal concentration in dairy products and byproducts at lower levels than milk. Thus, they are suggested to be applied especially in highly contaminated areas.