Determination and Detoxification of Aflatoxins in Food and Animal Feed

Abstract

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi that cause food contamination, sickness, and have a significant impact on both animal and human health. Aspergillus species create aflatoxins, which are dangerous mycotoxins. The purpose of this study was to determine the amounts of aflatoxins in food and animal feed samples. A total of 30 food samples including (White rice, Brown rice, Pistachio, Almonds, Peanuts) and 30 Broiler feed samples including (Starter, Grower, Finisher) were gathered from food and broiler farms. Contamination was discovered in 44 samples using the Thin Liquid Chromatography (TLC) method and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), with 10 (33%) being contaminated beyond the allowed level and 14 (47%) being contaminated within the permissible range. The reduction in Aflatoxins level both in food and animal feed samples was observed by using different physical methods including heating which showed about 88% degradation of Aflatoxins in food samples and about 65.8% in animal feed samples, Gamma radiations up to 10kGy showed degradation up to 45% in food and 51% in feed samples and chemical method showed 96.6% degradation of Aflatoxins in food samples and 95.5% degradation in animal feed samples by applying ammonia concentration up to 2%. This study found that food and broiler feed samples taken from different farms were contaminated, possibly due to poor food and feed storage conditions. It is suggested that authorities require improved storage conditions and regular monitoring in order to decrease aflatoxins contamination.