DETERMINATION OF AFLATOXINS IN SUPER KERNEL RICE TYPES CONSUMED IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

H. Mukhtar, Z. Farooq and M. Manzoor

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
Corresponding Author E-mail: zubzair.farooq@uvas.edu.pk

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to check the aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 & G2) in super kernel basmati rice types consumed in different regions (Lahore, Narowal, Faisalabad and Multan) of Punjab, Pakistan. For that purpose, 48 samples of super kernel basmati rice types (white, brown, parboiled and broken) were collected from local markets of Lahore, Narowal, Faisalabad and Multan. Moisture contents and aflatoxin levels of the collected samples were determined. Aflatoxins detection in rice samples were done by HPLC technique. The results showed the presence of aflatoxins in rice samples. For the total (48) rice samples, 58% were contaminated with total aflatoxins out of which 56% were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and 33% with aflatoxin B2. Out of 58% of the contaminated rice samples with total aflatoxins, 7% samples had aflatoxin level lower than the maximum tolerable limit of 4µg/kg and 93% samples were contaminated with total aflatoxin above the maximum tolerable limit. The 56% contaminated samples with aflatoxin B1, showed 100% contamination above the maximum tolerable limit (4µg/kg). A positive relationship was also seen between the moisture content and presence of aflatoxins (B1 and B2). The study showed significant (P<0.05) results and it could add to various approaches leading to aflatoxin management in rice types.
Key words: Rice, Aflatoxins, Moisture content, HPLC, Food safety.