ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
Eighteen samples of spices (6 whole chilli, 6 whole black pepper, and 6 black pepper powder) purchased from three popular markets of Hyderabad in India were analysed for presence of aflatoxin B1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for the purpose of analysing the samples. All the analyses were done twice. Aflatoxin B1 was found in all of the samples and the concentration of aflatoxin ranged from 31.15 to 174.68 ng/kg. The mean AFB1 concentration in black pepper powder was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in whole chilli and black pepper powder. There was no significant difference between the mean AFB1 concentrations in whole chilli and black pepper powder. However, none of the samples exceeded the maximum limit of 5000ng/kg prescribed in European Union regulations for aflatoxin B1. There is considerable scope for betterment in spices production in India.
Aflatoxin B1, Spices, ELISA, India
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