Determination of Aflatoxin B1 and Total Aflatoxin (B1+B2+G1+G2)
Consumption of aflatoxin B1 increases the risk of developing the most common liver cancer. Aflatoxin B1 is produced by the fungus Aspergillus, which grows in foodstuffs such as peanuts and rice stored in hot and humid conditions. It is a metabolite that chemically reacts with DNA in the liver and causes mutations. Aflatoxin B1 is an abundant food pollutant and genotoxic carcinogen.Aflatoxins pose a serious health risk to humans and livestock. Aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by some types of fungi (molds) found naturally all over the world. It also creates a significant economic burden, and about 25 percent or more of the world's food crops are lost each year because of it.
A significant portion of human exposure comes from nuts, peanuts and grains. Two closely related fungal species are responsible for the production of aflatoxins, which are important for human health: aspergillus flavus and aspergillus parasiticus. Under favorable conditions typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, including high temperatures and high humidity, these molds, normally found on dead and rotting plants, infest food products. Drought, pests, inadequate storage conditions and mild climate are factors that accelerate mold growth.
There are many different types of aflatoxins in nature. Among them, four types of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) are found in all staple food products and are particularly dangerous for humans and animals. Our organization also provides aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin (B1+B2+G1+G2) determination services to businesses within the framework of laboratory testing services.
