Detection of Aflatoxins Present in Some Types of Nuts are Available In Local Markets

Abstract

Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins and secondary metabolites of various species ofAspergillus. These are various forms of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins cause important healthproblems and have a high potential effect on live cancer. Many studies have been conductedduring last three decades about contamination of Nuts by aflatoxins. The aim of this workwas to investigate the contamination levels of nuts used by confectionaries in Baghdad. Atotal of fifteen samples including (3Almonds, 3Pistachio, 3Hazelnut , 3Peanuts and 3Walnut) were collected from local market in Baghdad city. ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbentassays) technique was employed for screening of total aflatoxins in nuts. The contaminationrate was higher than 10 ppb was observed in (one sample of Almonds, two samples ofhazelnut, and in two samples of Walnuts). The result of tested samples showed that the rateof contamination of hazelnut is higher than other tested samples.