Aflatoxin B1 contamination of wheat flour, coffee, and pistachios consumed in Northern Palestine

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to investigate the levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in some commonly consumed food items (wheat flour, roasted coffee beans, and pistachios) at the markets of Palestine. The samples were collected from the cities in the Northern West Bank (Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin). The pistachio and coffee samples were collected from the main toasters in these cities, while the flour samples were collected from the major bakeries in these cities. A total of 90 samples were collected, 30 from each city. The samples were analysed by a direct quantitative competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the amounts of AFB1. AFB1 contamination was detected in all of the collected samples. The percentage of samples exceeding the permissible limit prescribed by the European Commission (EC) Regulation of Maximum Residual Levels (MRL) was 33.3%. AFB1 contamination levels in the flour samples ranged between 0.4 - 2 µg/kg, with a mean of 0.75 µg/kg. All of the tested samples were below the EC-MRL level of 12 µg/kg. The amount of AFB1 in the roasted coffee beans ranged between 12 - 49 µg/kg, with a mean of 25.03 µg/kg. All of the tested samples exceeded the EC-MRL level of 5 µg/kg. The pistachios had a contamination level between 0.7- 2.20 µg/kg, with a mean of 1.28 µg/kg, and none exceeded the EC-MRL level of 8 µg/kg for direct human consumption. No differences were observed between the targeted areas (p > 0.05). The results obtained on the contamination levels of AFB1 indicated a serious public health issues. Further improvement of food handling and storage conditions must be exercised.