Assessment of total aflatoxin in selected crops using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): A sustainable monitoring and control of aflatoxin in both rural and urban areas in Nigeria
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Aflatoxins, toxic compounds from Aspergillus fungi, pose serious health and economic risks in Africa, mainly due to contamination in staple foods. This study investigated aflatoxin contamination in maize, cowpeas, melon seeds, groundnuts, and yam chips collected from Lagos, Nigeria, and examined the effectiveness of processing methods to reduce aflatoxin levels. One hundred fifty samples were gathered from three markets using coning and quartering techniques. Samples were processed by washing, aeration, and drying below 50℃ for six hours using a multi- purpose dryer. Moisture and total aflatoxin levels were then measured. Each sample was extracted with 70% methanol and analyzed using a Ridascreen® aflatoxin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (n=45). Method validation showed strong recovery of a known aflatoxin concentration, with detection and quantification limits at 1.87 µg/kg and 3.41 µg/kg, respectively. Unprocessed samples showed aflatoxin levels ranging from 3.10-10.20 µg/kg, while processed samples ranged from 2.00-5.10 µg/kg; maize exceeded the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control limit of 10 µg/kg for raw foods. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test) confirmed that processing significantly reduced aflatoxin levels (p<0.05). This study offers valuable aflatoxin data, supporting agricultural research and informing Nigerian policies on food safety to promote public health and economic stability.
Abstract
Aflatoxins, toxic compounds from Aspergillus fungi, pose serious health and economic risks in Africa, mainly due to contamination in staple foods. This study investigated aflatoxin contamination in maize, cowpeas, melon seeds, groundnuts, and yam chips collected from Lagos, Nigeria, and examined the effectiveness of processing methods to reduce aflatoxin levels. One hundred fifty samples were gathered from three markets using coning and quartering techniques. Samples were processed by washing, aeration, and drying below 50℃ for six hours using a multi- purpose dryer. Moisture and total aflatoxin levels were then measured. Each sample was extracted with 70% methanol and analyzed using a Ridascreen® aflatoxin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (n=45). Method validation showed strong recovery of a known aflatoxin concentration, with detection and quantification limits at 1.87 µg/kg and 3.41 µg/kg, respectively. Unprocessed samples showed aflatoxin levels ranging from 3.10-10.20 µg/kg, while processed samples ranged from 2.00-5.10 µg/kg; maize exceeded the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control limit of 10 µg/kg for raw foods. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test) confirmed that processing significantly reduced aflatoxin levels (p<0.05). This study offers valuable aflatoxin data, supporting agricultural research and informing Nigerian policies on food safety to promote public health and economic stability.