Heavy Metals in Selected Vegetables from Markets of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Two hundred ten samples of selected vegetables (okra, pumpkin, tomato, potato, eggplant, spinach, and cabbage) from Faisalabad, Pakistan, were analyzed for the analysis of heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used for the analysis of heavy metals. The mean levels of Cd, Pb, As, and Hg were 0.24, 2.23, 0.58, and 7.98 mg/kg, respectively. The samples with Cd (27%), Pb (50%), and Hg (63%) exceeded the maximum residual levels set by the European Commission. The mean levels of heavy metals found in the current study are high and may pose significant health concerns for consumers. Furthermore, considerable attention should be paid to implement comprehensive monitoring and regulations.

Aflatoxin contamination in different fractions of rice from Pakistan and estimation of dietary intakes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of aflatoxins in rice milling fractions and to estimate dietary intakes. A total of 413 rice samples (paddy 58, parboiled 69, brown 84, white 93, and broken 109) were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detector. The results showed that 64 % paddy (16.35 ± 1.67 µg/kg), 38 % parboiled (14.20 ± 2.04 µg/kg), 33 % brown (9.85 ± 1.25 µg/kg), 42 % white (7.10 ± 1.39 µg/kg), and 50 % broken (8.5 ± 1.71 µg/kg) rice samples were contaminated with aflatoxins. It was found that paddy rice was most contaminated with aflatoxins while white rice was least contaminated. The percentage of samples exceeding EU maximum contents for total aflatoxins in rice (4 µg/kg) varied from 14 to 36 % when compared to the analyzed rice fractions. The total estimated amount of aflatoxin intake for average rice consumers ranged from 19.1 to 26.6 ng/kg body weight/day, much higher than the reference value of 1 ng/kg body weight/day. This is the first report discovering that rice is a major contributor to the dietary intake of aflatoxins in Pakistan.

Comparing aflatoxin contamination in chilies from Punjab, Pakistan produced in summer and winter.

A comparison was made of total aflatoxins (AFs) in 43 samples of chilies collected during winter and 42 in summer to determine the effect of season on contamination. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The limits of detection and quantification for AFB1 and AFG1 were 0.05 µg/kg and 0.50 µg/kg, whilst for AFG2 and AFB2 they were 0.10 µg/kg and 0.60 µg/kg. In the winter samples, AFs were detected in 18 (72%) whole and 14 (60%) ground chilies, with concentration ranges 0.00-52.30 µg/kg and 0.00-74.60 µg/kg respectively. In the summer samples, 17 (64%) whole and 12 (76%) ground chilies were contaminated with AFs at concentrations 0.00-61.50 µg/kg and 0.00-95.90 µg/kg respectively. The percentage of samples greater than the European Union statutory limit for AFB1 and total AF for whole chilies were 48 and 36%, compared with ground chili values of 50 and 45%, respectively, in the winter season. In the summer season, the samples greater than the European Union limit for AFB1 and total AF in whole chilies were 52 and 38%, compared with values of 54 and 49% in ground chilies respectively. AF contamination was found to be higher in summer chili samples and hence winter chilies may provide a better quality product with respect to AF contamination. The ability to undertake this analysis in Pakistan will enhance greatly the ability to improve chili production in that country, as described herein.

Aflatoxin B1 in chilies from the Punjab region, Pakistan.

The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in chilies from Pakistan was determined by using HPLC in work undertaken in Pakistan. Whole (n = 22) and powdered (n = 22) chilies were analyzed. Sixteen (73.0%) and 19 (86.4%) samples of whole and ground chilies, respectively, were contaminated. The mean concentration in powdered chilies (32.20 µg/kg) was higher statistically than in whole chilies (24.69 µg/kg). Concentrations ranged from 0.00 to 89.56 µg/kg for powdered chilies, compared with 0.00-96.3 µg/kg for whole chilies. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.05 µg/kg and 0.53 µg/kg, respectively. The concentrations were high in general and greater than the statutory limit set by the European Union. There is considerable scope for improvements in chili production in Pakistan.