Storage conditions and aflatoxin quality in bread sold in selected shops and supermarkets around Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus. nominus. They are carcinogenic and mutagenic in humans and animal, these Aflatoxins can enter human food chain by direct consumption of contaminated grain processed food such as meat, bread or other animal and plant products. A High level of aflatoxins exposure has been shown to cause acute aflatoxicosis in humans and animals. The main objective of this study was to assess the storage conditions and the qualitative analysis of aflatoxin in bread sold in the shops and super markets across the selected study site around Makerere University respectively. Thirty samples were collected randomly from each shop and supermarket around the study site respectively. For detection of aflatoxins, the thin layer chromatography technique, and moisture content of the samples was determined by the oven method adopted by Nielsen (2010). Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical packages for social sciences (SSPS). The moisture content of the samples ranged from 11.04% to 26.31% with a mean of 18.42%. However, the mean moisture content of samples from supermarkets was lower (17.377%) than that from shops (24.951%). Out of 30 samples collected, twenty-three samples were found positive for aflatoxin, aflatoxin B was absent in all samples. According to the source, 58.3% of the samples from supermarkets were positive for aflatoxins whereas 88.9% of those from shops were positive for aflatoxins. Therefore, there is need to create traders’ awareness of aflatoxin contamination, its effect and poor practices that contribute to aflatoxin contamination. To assess foods in regard to aflatoxin contamination in order to the curb spread of aflatoxin surveillance to ensure their safety. Research needs to be done on other foods sold in the shops and super markets other than bread and also on the association of food related toxin that are raising the cancer rate.