Survey of ethnic foods for mycotoxins

A survey has been carried out in the UK to determine the levels of mycotoxins in a range of ethnic foods. The survey involved analysis of 121 samples of ethnic foods, purchased from specialist shops, for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and the Fusarium mycotoxins (fumonisins, zearalenone and trichothecenes). The samples were of cereal and cereal product, fats and oils, nuts and nut products, seeds, spices and herbs, pickles, sauces and a variety of canned vegetable and/or pickle products. Low concentrations of mycotoxins were present in many samples analysed. The types and levels of mycotoxins present varied with the type of sample. The most common contaminants were the trichothecenes and ochratoxin A. Trace levels of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, fumonisins and trichothecenes were detected in samples containing cereal, such as rice, noodles, corn flour and pitta bread. Trace levels of aflatoxins and zearalenone were detected in a sample of chili oil and ochratoxin A in a sample of sesame oil. Only one sample of nut (almond) contained aflatoxin while aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (a trichothecene) were detected in various seeds. Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisins were found in chili paste and zearalenone and ochratoxin A in curry pastes. The highest mycotoxin levels and frequency of occurrence were in chili powder, curry powder and ginger.