Fungal flora and aflatoxins (AFTS) contamination of Garri in parts of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Garri, a pre-eminent staple diet in Nigeria, accounts for over 70% of the total calorie intake of more than 50% of Nigeria's population. This study investigated the fungal flora and the level of aflatoxin contamination of garri sold in two open markets (Uyo and Oron) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Samples randomly purchased from each market were aseptically transported to the laboratory and cultured for fungi. Identification of fungal cultures was done using morphology of the isolates. Three subsamples from each location were extracted, spotted and quantified for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. Values were the means from 3 subsamples. Data were processed using T-test and means separated for statistical significance at P<0.05 using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). Fungi isolated from both markets were Fusarium verticolloides, Cercospora sp, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. parasiticus. From the Uyo samples, the following additional fungi were found Fusarium solanii and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples from Oron (21.67 μg/kg) compared to Uyo (3.33 μg/kg). Aflatoxins B2, G1 and G2 were below detection limit in the samples. AFB1 in garri samples from these two markets in Akwa Ibom State is being reported, probably for the first time.

Keywords: Garri, Fungal flora, aflatoxins, Open market and Akwa Ibom state