Aflatoxin content of some spices collected from local markets in Alexandria

Eighty four samples of spices were collected from four districts in Alexandria viz. El Asafra, Cleopatra, El Ibrahimiya and Muharram Bey. These include twelve samples each of curcuma, capsicum, anise, caraway, coriander, cumin and fennel. Of these samples 10.7% were positive for aflatoxin. Aflatoxin B[1] was present in all contaminated samples and was detected together with aflatoxin G[1] in two samples of curcuma and cumin collected from Asafra and one sample of coriander collected from Cleopatra. Five of the positive samples [5.9%] were collected from Asafra district and two samples from each of Cleopatra and Ibrahimiya where as, all samples collected from Muharrarn Bey area were free from aflatoxin. The level of aflatoxin B[1] ranged between 13.8-52.4 ppm and aflatoxin G[1] between 6-10.5 ppm. Therefore, if these spices are to be consumed in large amount the level of aflatoxin should be taken into consideration