The Contamination of " Gaz" to Aflatoxin Residue in Isfahan City, Iran

Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites usually produced by certain strains of the fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and rarely Aspergillus nomius. In appropriate temperature and humidity, these fungi are able to contaminate agricultural commodities and then produce aflatoxins. This study aimed to determine the total aflatoxin level in “Gaz” produced in Isfahan city, Iran. 40 Gaz samples containing 28% and 40% pistachio nuts were prepared from production units in Isfahan city and the total aflatoxin level was evaluated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 39 samples (97.5%) were contaminated with the mean aflatoxin level of 4.11 ± 3.55 ng/g. The total aflatoxin level in 40 samples was between non-detected and 13.97 ng/g. The mean aflatoxin level was 3.53 ± 2.49 and 4.70 ± 4.40 ng/g in samples containing 28% and 40% pistachio, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.82). The mean aflatoxin level was found to be lower than the maximum tolerance limit (15 ng/g) determined by the Iranian National Standards Organization but in 4 samples (10% of samples) higher than the maximum tolerance limit (10 ng/g) accepted by the European countries. According to the Gaz economic importance, especially exporting to the world markets, as well as dangers of aflatoxin for human health and considering it as one of the most important health indicators, definitely an extra effort is needed to warranty the hygiene and safety of this product. In addition, national standard should be promoted to the level of developed countries.