Mycotoxin Profile of Honey and Dry-Cured Meat (Kilishi) for Export in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Animal products are not immune to contaminants and could render them not safe for local consumption or unacceptable for export. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence and profile of Aflatoxins (AFs), Ochratoxins (OTs) and Fumonisins (FBs) contamination in honey and dry-cured meat (kilishi) intended for export in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. Ninety (90) samples of each animal product were collected and analyzed. Mycotoxins were determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) quantitative techniques. According to the investigation, none of the honey samples for export from the FCT Abuja was positive for Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and Aflatoxin B₂ (AFB₂) contaminants. The occurrence of Ochratoxin A (OTA) was most prevalent in the samples of honey from Abuja East, but with the greatest average concentration (62.87 μg/Kg) in the samples from Abuja South. In samples from the Abuja South zone, the prevalence of AFB₁ and AFB₂ in the kilishi was relatively high (73.33% and 66.67% respectively). Also, OTA and Ochratoxin B (OTB) were detected at varying levels in the cured meat. Dry-cured meat sold in Abuja Nigeria to consumers and for export is found not safe due to Aflatoxin B₁ and B₂, OTA and OTB contamination level which was above the EU maximum limit. The regulatory bodies in the country should always carry out routine monitoring to guarantee that marketed products from animals are consumable and also exportable.