Survey of aflatoxins contamination in selected agricultural commodities obtained from major markets in six geographical zones in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated total aflatoxin contents of six agricultural commodities obtained from major markets in six geographical zones of Nigeria. Results showed that total aflatoxin levels in cowpea, yam chips and dried fish from six zones were less than European Union (EU) recommended maximum safe level (4 ppb) while 16.67% of groundnut samples and 83.33% each of melon and maize had total aflatoxin above 4 ppb. Moisture content of groundnut, melon, dried fish, yam chips, cowpea and maize significantly ranged from 3.92–7.74%, 3.15–5.73%, 7.76–14.39%, 9.66–17.04%, 7.84–10.94% and 10.13–13.31% respectively. Insect infestations of food commodities were light and most of the few insects found were dead. Thus cowpea, dried fish and yam chips from six zones with maize and melon from N. West zone of Nigeria could be regarded as being free from aflatoxins contaminations. It was also demonstrated that proper postharvest handling and adherence to simple good agricultural practice (GAP) were enough to improve the quality of produce internationally. Food commodities from Southern zones had significant (p<0.05) higher moisture than those from the Northern zones.

Keywords: Nigeria, mycotoxins, hazards, safety, food, feeds