What are aflatoxins?

Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by some Aspergillus species like A. flavus or A. parasiticus. Primarily aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 and the hydroxylated metabolite M1 are of interest, with aflatoxin B1 as the most frequently occurring.

Where are they detected?

Aflatoxins can be found on a wide range of commodities including cereals, nuts, spices, figs and dried fruit. Aflatoxin M1, the metabolite of Aflatoxin B1, is found in milk and dairy products. Aflatoxins are of major interest because of their impact on both human and animal health. Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most potent hepato-carcinogens known and hence levels of aflatoxins in the diet are an important consideration for human health.

Most countries established regulatory limits for either aflatoxin B1 or for total aflatoxins, which includes the sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2, as well as regulatory limits for Aflatoxin M1. Very often regulations also include detailed sampling procedures, as this is one of the most crucial steps on the way to a reliable result.  A variety of methods and technologies are available for the analysis of grains, cereals, nuts and other possibly infected commodities:

What tests are available?

Qualitative Yes/No test:
For testing raw commodities such as grain or groundnuts for the presence of aflatoxins with a certain “cut off level” (e.g. 4µg/kg, 10µg/kg, 20µg/kg) we recommend using the AgraStrip® Alfa. This lateral flow test with 3 different cut-off levels (4ppb, 10ppb, 20ppb) can be performed in less than 5 minutes and needs no additional laboratory equipment.

Low cost screening of cereals – sequential analysis of samples :
If subsequent samples have to be tested and a quantitative result is required as soon as possible, we recommend using Fluoroquant® Afla. This test gives quantitative results within 5 minutes, needs very few equipment, and can be easily processed.

Low cost screening – testing many samples at once:
Another possibility to get quantitative results within a short time period and with low investment costs is ELISA technology. We recommend using Agraquant® Afla if many samples need to be analyzed at once, as this is the most efficient way to use this technology.

For further information, contact Graintec Pty Ltd – craig@graintec.com.au.