The Measurement of Aflatoxin B۱ in Chilli and Black Peppers of Qaemshahr, Iran

Background & Aims: Aflatoxins are a group of toxic compounds found in most plant products such as pistachio, corn, spices, wheat, and rice. This study was carried out to detect the presence of aflatoxin B۱ (AFB۱) in samples of spices collected from Qaemshahr in Mazandaran province, Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on the presence of AFB۱ in ۱۸ samples of spices including chilli (red) powder (n = ۶), black pepper powder (n = ۶), and whole black pepper (n = ۶) collected from Qaemshahr. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to analyze the samples. Results: Aflatoxin B۱ was found in all samples, and the concentration of aflatoxin ranged from ۶۳.۱۶ to ۶۲۶.۸۱ ng/kg. The mean AFB۱ concentration in chilli (red) powder was significantly higher (P < ۰.۰۵) than whole and powdered black pepper. However, none of the samples exceeded the maximum prescribed limit of ۵ µg/kg recommended by the European Union regulations for aflatoxin B۱. Conclusion: Although the concentration of AFB۱ in the study samples was less than the maximum limit approved by the EU, the ۱۰۰% Aflatoxin contamination of the samples could be a potential hazard for public health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aflatoxin B۱ ، Chilli pepper ، Black pepper ، Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)