Determination of fungi and aflatoxins levels in unbranded palm oil sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Fungi and aflatoxins levels in unbranded palm oils sold in Port Harcourt Metropolitan markets were determined. The samples were obtained from Mile 1 and Mile 3 Markets. The microbial analysis and aflatoxin concentration determination were done employing standard methods. The study revealed that the mean total heterotrophic fungal counts of palm oil obtained from Mile 1 and Mile 3 markets were 3.89 Log10cfu/ml and 3.93 Log10cfu/ml respectively. The fungi isolated and occurrence percentages are Aspergillus flavus (75 %); Aspergillus fumigates(50 %); Aspergillus niger(75 %); Aspergillus parasiticus (75 %); Fusarium spp. (50 %); Mucor spp. (25 %), and Penicillium spp. (50 %). The palm oil samples from Mile 1 Market 1 had the highest mean aflatoxin concentration of 4640.5 μg/L and Mile 3 Market 1 lowest mean aflatoxin concentration of 2179.5μg/L The fungal counts and aflatoxin concentrations exceed the permissible limit of 2×10⁴ cfu/ml and 20 μg/kg respectively even as the organisms identified are capable of deteriorating oil quality and mycotoxins production. The oil samples investigated are not safe for human consumption based on the potential health risk involved. Regulatory agencies should ensure routine analysis of edible oils; more education and enlightenment of the processors is highly advocated while end users are strongly advised to heat the oil before consumption.