| dc.description.abstract | Aflatoxins are poisonous fungal metabolites that contaminate foods and feeds which
cause adverse health effect like hepatotoxicity, immunosuppression, teratogenic and
retarded growth. Previous studies in Uganda focused mainly on human foods and
animal feeds but limited information exist on silver fish. This study assessed the
handling practices and determination of aflatoxin contamination of silver fish sold
from the selected markets of Mukono district, Central Uganda. Forty-five silver fish
samples were purchased from three selected markets for observational study and
moisture content determination using hot air oven to assess handling practices and
aflatoxin detection using Thin Layer Chromatography. The study found out that
majority of the traders (84.4%) were operating in permanent storage houses, 24
(53.3%) packed silver fish in gunny sacks with 15 (33.3%) using buckets and most
traders 40 (88.9%) placed their silver fish on raised surface. The moisture content
ranged from 2.12% to 14.28% with mean moisture of 8.18%. Majority 30 (66.67%)
silver fish samples tested positive for aflatoxin with 30 (66.67%) being aflatoxin B
and 1 (2.22%) aflatoxin G. The results indicated that silver fish from Mukono was
contaminated with mostly aflatoxin B however, it is difficult to conclude about the
levels of contamination since the study was qualitative and done on small sample size.
Therefore, extensive studies should be conducted using quantitative methods to
understand the levels of contamination and the safety of the silver fish for human
consumption. | en_US |
