Determition of Aflatoxin Contamination in Some Dried Nuts and Spices By Elisa

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the total aflatoxin levels in some dried nuts and spices by ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorband Assay). In this study, 1158 some dried and spices samples (513 hazelnut, 179 pistachio, 244 almond, 52 peanut, 143 walnut, 2 mahlep, 9 sahlep, 8 cinnamon and 8 black pepper) were randomly obtained from markets and spices shops in Istanbul. Total aflatoxin contamination was determined in 156 (30%) of 513 hazelnut, in 93 (51.96%) of 179 pistachio, in 107 (43.85%) of 244 almond, in 23 (55.95%) of 52 walnut, in 23 (44.23%) of 52 peanut, in 2 (100%) of 2 mahlep, in 7 (78.78%) of 9 sahlep, in 6 (75%) of 8 cinnamon and in 6 (75%) of 8 black pepper. Therefore, monitoring of aflatoxins is necessary to ensure that they are not present at levels that may pose health risks to the public and controls should be done strictly and more often by authorities.