Research Article

Aflatoxin Contamination In Some Fresh Vegetables And A Spice Sold At Samaru Market Zaria, Nigeria

Haruna, M1*, Saleh, A.2, Dangora, D. B.3, Zongoma, A. M3, Ali, M.4
1 Department of Biology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria,
2 National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State
3 Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
4 National Population Commission, Federal Secretariat Dutse, Jigawa State,
* Corresponding author: mustaphaharuna65@yahoo.com
Published: Dec, 2019
Pages: 4742-4746

Abstract

Aflatoxin is a common contaminant of agricultural produce resulting from the growth of Aspergillus species under conditions of favourable temperature and moisture. This study was conducted to assess the level of aflatoxin contamination in fresh vegetables and tamarind used on daily basis by the populace. A total of 9 different fresh vegetables and tamarind samples were randomly collected in new polythene bags from Samaru market, Zaria, Nigeria, and were screened for aflatoxin contamination. The vegetables were onion, cabbage, bell pepper, pepper, pumpkin, tomato, peas, cucumber and amaranthus, and tamarind. Aflatoxin contamination was determined by using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All the samples tested positive to total aflatoxin contamination ranging from 2 – 100 μg/kg. Six out of the 10 samples namely onion, cabbage, amaranthus, tomato, cucumber and tamarind contained total aflatoxin above the acceptable limit of 10 μg/kg set by National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), therefore, are not safe for human consumption.

Keywords

ELISA Vegetables Spice Total Aflatoxin NAFDAC

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How to Cite

M, H., A., S., B., D. D., M, Z. A., & M., A. (2019). Aflatoxin Contamination In Some Fresh Vegetables And A Spice Sold At Samaru Market Zaria, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Microbiology, 33(2), 4742-4746.

H. M, S. A., D. D. B., Z. A. M, and A. M., "Aflatoxin Contamination In Some Fresh Vegetables And A Spice Sold At Samaru Market Zaria, Nigeria," Nigerian Journal of Microbiology, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 4742-4746, December 2019.

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