DETERMINATION OF THE TOTAL AFLATOXIN LEVEL IN RED PEPPER MARKETED IN AFYONKARAHISAR, TURKEY

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus species (mainly A. flavus and parasiticus) that exhibit immunotoxic, hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects in human. Human exposure to aflatoxins may be occurred by consumption of risky foods such as cereals, milk, and various spices. The present study aimed to assess the total aflatoxin (B1, B2, Gl, G2) contamination level of red pepper marketed in Afyonkarahisar province, Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 76 pepper samples including 48 red-scaled pepper, 28 red-powdered pepper were randomly collected from bazaars, herbal shops and supermarkets. The aflatoxin contamination was determined by ELISA. 49 of the 76 pepper samples (64.47%) contained aflatoxin in the range of 1.76-42.72 g/kg. 5 (6.58%) samples exceeded the regulatory limits employed in Turkey and the European Union. Consequently, to protect public health from the adverse effects of aflatoxins, more precautions should be taken during every step of pepper production, transport and storage.