Aflatoxin Production in Black Currant, Blueberry and Strawberry Jams

Unsweetened and sweetened (20 and 44% sucrose) black currant, blueberry and strawberry jams with spores of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 were incubated at different temperatures and atmospheres for 0.5, 1, 2, and 6 months. Hyphal dry weight, pH of medium and aflatoxin production were examined. Also, the aflatoxin distribution between mold and jam layers was examined in jam with uncontrolled and controlled pH (initial pH 3.1-3.6 and 5.6 respectively) and in 20% yeast extract sucrose broth (initial pH 5.6) after 2 weeks of incubation. Aflatoxin was observed in black currant and strawberry jams stored at 22 and 30 C, but not in blueberry jam. Addition of sugar prevented production of aflatoxin in detectable amounts, although it enhanced fungal growth. Storage at 4 C resulted in a marked reduction in fungal growth. The high CO₂ atmosphere prevented production of aflatoxin in detectable amounts in black currant and blueberry jams but not in strawberry jam. Raising the initial pH of the stored jam caused an increase in aflatoxin synthesis, although the amount of fungal mycelium, in contrast was reduced. Aflatoxin synthesis as a function of fungal growth was significantly weaker in the jams than in the yeast extract sucrose broth. The results imply that the jam raw materials, particularly blueberry, contain substances inhibiting production of atlatoxins. Alternatively, it is also possible that the jam materials contain only small amounts of nutrients necessary for synthesis of aflatoxin.