Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic bifurocoumarin in sliced bread in Delhi [India] and its health interactions.
1995
Khan N.Z. | Athar M. | Raisuddin S.
Aflatoxins are a group of heterocyclic, oxygen containing fungal toxins (mycotoxins) that possess bidisfurocoumarin using system and are structurally related. These toxins are found in a wide variety of food items due to frequent fungal growth. Aflatoxins have demonstrated their carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic potential in several animal species. Indian climatic conditions are very favourable for fungal growth on foodstuffs and subsequent toxin production. This may result in a long term lowdose exposure to aflatoxin. The present study was undertaken to make preliminary observations on fungal contamination level in foodstuffs available in Delhi market. Initially, sliced wheat flour breads were selected as they have sufficient quantity of moisture and also their improper storage may facilitate fungal growth. Marketed sliced breads collected from different localities of Delhi were analyzed for aflatoxins using standard procedures of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). It was found that many samples had aflatoxins with aflatoxin B1 being in highest concentration. Some samples showed presence of aflatoxins higher than the permitted level (i.e. 30 ug/kg). It is concluded that aflatoxin occurrence in sliced bread may pose a serious health hazard in view of their known deleterious effects. Proper measures should be taken to present growth of aflatoxin producing fungi particularly in the commodity of large usage to protect the health of consumers.
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