Moulds, Proximate Mineral Composition and Mycotoxin Contamination of Banda (“kundi”/ “tinko”) Sold in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mycotoxin is an important toxin whose consumption could cause foodborne diseases. The moulds, proximate mineral composition and mycotoxin contamination of Banda samples purchased from different markets in Ibadan, Oyo state, were investigated. A total of 90 samples were collected during July - September and a total of 69 fungi isolates were obtained. The fungal isolates found in samples were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. candidus and A. piperis among which A. niger had the highest frequency of occurrence (36.23%) followed in order by A. flavus (30.23%), A. fumigatus (13.04%), A. candidus and A. piperis (10.14%). The samples were found to contain adequate amount of proximate mineral contents. Proximate and mineral analysis carried out showed that the percentage crude protein in Banda samples collected in July is higher than that of August and September. The percentages of most of the mineral elements are higher in samples collected in August. It was observed from the analysis that the proximate and mineral composition in the dried meat was higher than that of the control (Raw meat sample). Mycotoxin analysis revealed that the samples were heavily contaminated with aflatoxins B1, B2, fumonisin (FB1 and FB2) and ochratoxin (OTA). There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in mycotoxin concentration among the samples. The AFB1 and AFB2 were found in 10% and 90% of the dried meat samples, while 10% were contaminated with FB1 and FB2, respectively. 13.3% were contaminated with OTA. AFB1 was not detected in all of the samples except samples J1, A1 and S4, respectively. For the samples collected in the month of July, the AFB2 concentration ranged within 0.00 - 201.50, FB1, FB2 and OTA concentrations ranged within 0.00i - 1.909a, 0.00i - 1.037a, and 0.00i - 2.00a, respectively. For the samples collected in August, the AFB2, FB1, FB2 and OTA concentrations ranged within 0.00i - 234.20a, 0.00i - 2.327a, 0.00i - 1.003a, and 0.00 - 1.600a in which sample A7 had the highest concentration. The AFB2 concentration ranged within 0.00 - 167.20a in which sample S1 had the highest concentration. The FB1, FB2 and OTA concentrations ranged within 0.373h - 2.199a, 0.167h - 1.965a, and 0.00f - 2.133a for the samples collected in September. The levels of mycotoxin contamination in all the samples exceeded the maximum limit permitted in most countries. The detection of AFB1 and AFB2 in the dried meat samples could be of public health significance and hence there is an urgent need for concerned regulatory bodies to impose necessary measures to safeguard health of consumers. Conclusively, the presence of mycotoxin producing fungi and the level of AFB1 and AFB2 in the dried meat samples call for serious attention in the country and there is a need for some form of quality control and proper preservation before usage.