Total Aflatoxins Testing from Biorex Food Diagnostics
Biorex Food Diagnostics is pleased to announce the release of our latest Total Aflatoxin kit for detecting aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. The ELISA kit is able to detect levels of aflatoxins at 1ppb at low limits of detection in peanuts and feed. The simple sample preparation and test procedure enables users to carry out testing quickly and ensure the safe supply of nuts and grains. This is the ideal solution for customers at various stages of the production process; large scale nut/grain suppliers, food manufacturers and supermarket chains that want to conduct checks before the products are sold to the end consumer.
Aflatoxins are a naturally occurring type of mycotoxin that develop in a wide variety of feed and cereal based products, consuming products contaminated with aflatoxins can pose a serious health threat to animals and humans.
The toxin develops in regions with high temperatures, humidity, drought and areas with poor storage. The damage caused by aflatoxin contamination can also have an economic effect, the World Health Organisation estimates that 25% or more of the world’s food crops are destroyed due to aflatoxin contamination.
In terms of consumer exposure to aflatoxins, in developed countries the average exposure per day is less than 1ng/kg body weight, whereas in some sub-Saharan African countries this is 100ng/kg be per day, meaning the risk of consumption is significantly higher.
The Effects of Aflatoxin Contamination
In humans, mild side effects include;
- Acute liver failure
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Nausea
Long term effects of aflatoxin consumption include;
- Liver cancer (this is significantly heightened if the patient also has hepatitis B
- Potential to cause birth defects in children
- Immunosuppression related side effects that decrease a persons’ resistance to other infections including HIV and tuberculosis
In animals, side effects include;
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Reproductive issues
- Inferior eggshell quality in poultry
- Increased susceptibility to disease
- Reduced milk production in cows
How to minimise the risk of aflatoxin consumption
To minimise the risk of aflatoxins to humans and animals testing must be conducted at various stages of the production process as well as being carefully inspected visually, products must also be stored in clean, dry conditions and not stored for a long period of time before being used.
For more information on the Total Aflatoxin kit from Biorex Food Diagnostics contact sales@biorexfooddiagnostics.com
