Increased aflatoxin contamination of dried figs in a drought year

Dried figs (4917 samples) destined for export from Turkey to the European Union were collected between September and December during the very dry crop year of 2007 and tested for aflatoxins B(1); B(2); G(1) and G(2) by immunoaffinity column clean-up and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). While 32% of the samples contained detectable levels of […]

Incidence of ochratoxin A in dried fruits and co-occurrence with aflatoxins in dried figs

Ninety eight dried figs; 53 sultanas and 20 dried apricots destined for export from Turkey to the European Union were tested for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination utilizing immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While only 2 (4%) of the sultanas exceeded the 10 ng g(-1) maximum limit set by the EU; 28 (53%) […]

Aspergillus nomius; an important aflatoxin producer in Brazil nuts?

The relation between aflatoxin B1 and G1 was examined in samples from 199 aflatoxin contaminated lots of in-shell Brazil nut imported to Europe. In most of the samples; the relation between B1 and G1 were approximately 50/50 indicating that the major responsible aflatoxin producing fungi cannot be Aspergillus flavus; which produces solely B aflatoxins. Fungal […]

Growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin formation in Brazil nuts

The present study aimed at gaining more knowledge of the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin production in Brazil nuts in relation to humidity conditions and storage time. For this purpose; the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and the increase in aflatoxin levels in Brazil nuts was studied in the laboratory at temperature and humidity conditions […]

Factors influencing fungal and aflatoxin levels in Turkish hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) during growth; harvest; drying and storage: A 3-year study

The levels aflatoxins in Turkish hazelnuts have been monitored over a 3-years period (2002-2004). Periodical sampling was made in 72 different orchards at different locations representative of the hazelnut-growing areas and post-harvest applications. Various parameters (aflatoxins; water activity; moulds) were analysed and environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) recorded during growing and at different stages […]

Mycotoxins in botanicals and dried fruits: A review

Botanicals are used in many countries for medicinal and general health-promoting purposes. Numerous natural occurrences of mycotoxins in botanicals and dried fruits have been reported. Aflatoxins or ochratoxin A (OTA) have been found in botanicals such as ginseng; ginger; liquorice; turmeric; and kava-kava in the USA; Spain; Argentina; India; and some other countries; while fumonisins […]