Incidence of aflatoxins in export quality basmati rice collected from different areas of Pakistan

A survey on the level of aflatoxins (AFs) in export-quality Pakistani basmati rice was performed. In this regard, 2047 basmati rice samples were collected from various rice vendors at different spans of time, during 2006-2011. Samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) for the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). Among 2047 samples, about 73.3% samples were found contaminated with AFB1 ranging from 1.17 to 6.91mug/kg and a mean of 1.15 mug/kg. Moreover, in 70.6% samples, AFB1 level was found lower than maximum tolerated level (MTL = 2 mug/kg) as recommended by European Union. Furthermore, 2.3% samples contained AFB1 level ranging from 2.05 to 3.36 mug/kg. However, only 0.44% samples exhibit AFB1 contamination ranged between 4.07 to 6.91 mug/kg. Remaining 26.7% samples does not contain AFB1 level within detectable limit (greater than 1 mug/kg). Moreover, all the samples were found below than MTL of 20 mug/kg as assigned by the authorities in United State (FDA and FAO) and Pakistan (PSQCA). During the whole study, AFs contamination in basmati rice seems to differ monthly due to variation in climatic conditions. Highly contaminated samples with AFB1 were found during the months of August (6.91 mug/kg), September (4.89 mug/kg) and December (4.88 mug/kg). On the basis of achieved results, it can be concluded that the level of AFs in Pakistani basmati rice was found safe for human consumption. Thus, Pakistani rice could be exported to the other countries. Though, the small quantities of AFs warrant performing further investigation, monitoring and routine analysis on regular basis.