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Microbiological safety of areca nut-containing, ready-to-eat chewing substances common among Pakistani paediatric

Anjiya Sulaiman1, Hina Zubairi2, Seema Irfan3

  • 1Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|March 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Ready-to-eat chewing substances containing areca nut are microbiologically contaminated with aflatoxins, a carcinogen. This poses a public health risk, especially to children, necessitating preventative strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Food safety
  • Microbiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Areca nut-containing chewing substances are widely accessible.
  • Vulnerable populations, including children, are at risk of exposure.
  • Microbiological and toxicological profiles of these products require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess microbiological contamination in areca nut-based chewing products.
  • To quantify levels of fungal aflatoxins in these substances.
  • To evaluate potential health risks associated with their consumption.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study analyzed 12 samples of supari, paan masala, and gutka.
  • Microbial contamination was assessed using the pour-plate method.
  • Fungal aflatoxin levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

  • All 12 products (100%) contained high levels of fungal aflatoxin (0.43-1.84 mg/kg).
  • Wet gutka samples showed contamination with Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae.
  • One sample (8.33%) failed to meet hygiene standards; no pathogenic bacteria were found.

Conclusions:

  • Consumption of unhygienic chewing substances with fungal toxins is a significant public health concern.
  • Preventative measures and behavior-change strategies are crucial.
  • Addressing the contamination of these readily available products is essential for child health protection.
Abstract

Keywords:
Areca, Tobacco, Smokeless, Paediatric, Population, Safety, Microbiological.

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