Detection of Aflatoxins from Malt Barley Under Storage Conditions in Central Ethiopia

Aflatoxins are non avoidable highly poisonous and carcinogenic auxiliary metabolite produced by some molds belonging to Aspergillus genera on range of agricultural products including malt barley. This study was conducted with the aim to examine total aflatoxin (AFT) concentration in malt barley samples. A total of eighty seven malt barley samples collected from farmers' stores and seed enterprises' of Amhara and Oromia regions were employed for aflatoxin analysis through an ELISA test. Of these, 30 (34.48%) were positive whereas the remaining 57 (54.03%) were negative. The total aflatoxin levels in the positive samples layover in a range between 0.0005μgkg -1 and 0.04μgkg -1 .The existing results undoubtedly revealed insignificant contamination of malt barley samples in Ethiopia, suggesting that concentrations were low enough and ensure compliance with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 20 ugkg -1 , World Health Organization (WHO) 15 μgkg -1 and European Union (EU) 4-15ugkg -1 admitted levels depending on the raw material use of cereals. Fortunately, the result of this study may not lead to infer the urgent need to apply control measures against aflatoxigenic fungi and associated aflatoxins that could result adverse effects. The major factors for less contamination of malt barley by aflatoxin were expected to be pre- and post-harvest environmental factors, mechanized harvesting and proper management practices like drying before storage. Although the present status of aflatoxins is remarkably at lower concentrations, regular and accurate cereal quality testing is critical to reduce the risk of severe health problems as well as international trade repercussions. Keywords: Adverse effect, Auxiliary metabolite, Contamination, ELISA, Molds. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-15-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2020