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Sampling bulk consignments of dried figs for aflatoxin analysis
M Sharman1, S Macdonald, A J Sharkey
1Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Food Science Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Colney, UK.
Food Additives and Contaminants
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study analyzed aflatoxin contamination in dried figs, finding significant variation between and within boxes. Results highlight the importance of robust sampling methods for accurate contamination assessment in bulk food consignments.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi.
- Contamination of food commodities like dried figs poses a significant health risk.
- Accurate assessment of aflatoxin levels is crucial for food safety and regulatory compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the between-box and within-box aflatoxin distribution in a bulk consignment of dried figs.
- To evaluate different sampling strategies for estimating batch average aflatoxin contamination.
- To assess the confidence associated with various sampling methods.
Main Methods:
- Randomly selected 200 boxes from an 11-ton consignment of dried figs.
- Analyzed individual boxes as 12 kg homogenized samples.
- Investigated within-box distribution using 12 subsamples (1 kg each) from three selected boxes.
- Evaluated aflatoxin levels using established analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- 134 out of 200 boxes had less than 10 micrograms/kg total aflatoxins.
- The highest aflatoxin level detected in a single box was 227 micrograms/kg.
- A single 1 kg unit showed a maximum aflatoxin level of 2063 micrograms/kg.
- Batch average aflatoxin contamination varied significantly depending on the sampling method (33 micrograms/kg vs. 15 micrograms/kg).
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity in aflatoxin distribution exists within bulk consignments of dried figs.
- The choice of sampling strategy profoundly impacts the estimated average aflatoxin contamination.
- Further evaluation of sampling protocols is necessary to ensure reliable and confident assessment of aflatoxin levels in food products.