Aflatoxins in almonds: Monitoring and exposure assessment

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs) are naturally occurring contaminants classified as human carcinogens. This article describes presence and concentrations of AFs in both raw and roasted almonds collected from Turkey from September 2017 to February 2018. Long-term exposure to AFs was then calculated using the per capita consumption of almonds and the concentration of AFs in almonds. AFs were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The analytical method fulfilled the requirements on method performance according to Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. AFs were detected in 15% of almonds, but at levels far below the European Union (EU) maximum levels (MLs). The long-term mean exposure to AFB(1) and total AFs via the consumption of almonds for Turkish consumer were calculated as 0.0019 and 0.0021 ng kg(-1) b.w. day(-1) at the lower bound, and 0.0043 and 0.0067 ng kg(-1) b.w. day(-1) at the upper bound, respectively. Practical applications The present work was focused on aflatoxins (AFB(1), AFB(2), AFG(1), and AFG(2)) contamination levels of raw and roasted almond kernels consumed in Turkey. The exposure assessment of general Turkish population to AFs through the consumption of almonds was also assessed. This study underlines the importance of periodic monitoring studies to provide a high level of food safety. This is the first report on exposure to AFs through the consumption of almond kernels for Turkish consumers.