A. Hussain - Food Technology Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Z. Rahman - Food Technology Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
M. Khan - Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University Peshawar, Pakistan

Background: Aflatoxins (AFs) are natural toxins produced by fungus belonging to genus Aspergillus. These toxins are the secondary metabolites, which may cause teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects due to contamination of food. Peanut is an economically important crop, grown in many parts of the world. The main aim of this survey was to detect AFs in peanut oils marketed in Peshawar, Pakistan.    Methods: During September ۲۰۲۰ to February ۲۰۲۱, a total of ۶۰ peanut oil samples were obtained from retail stores and markets; ۲۰-each from three different areas of Peshawar (University, City, and Cantt), Pakistan. AFB۱, AFB۲, AFG۱, and AFG۲ were determined using Thin Layer Chromatography. Data analysis was done using SPSS ۲۱.۰. Results: Prevalence rates of AFB۱, AFB۲, AFG۱, and AFG۲ in peanut oils were ۷۰, ۵۱.۷, ۳.۳, and ۰%, respectively. The mean of total AFs was ۸.۵۹ μg/kg ranged from ۰.۱۲ to ۵۵ μg/kg. Totally, ۵% (۳ out of ۶۰) of the samples were found contaminated with AFB۱ above the permissible limits (۲۰ μg/kg) according to national regulation. There was significant difference (p<۰.۰۵) between AF levels in the samples from different three areas of Peshawar. Conclusion: Although, the majority of samples of peanut oils in Peshawar (Pakistan) were safe for consumption, monitoring of AFs must be carried out on a regular basis in the case of peanut oil consumed in this region. This study suggested that farmers, food processors, and local processors should be aware of acceptable hygiene practices for the cultivation, protection, transportation, processing, and handling of peanut oil. DOI: ۱۰.۱۸۵۰۲/jfqhc.۸.۲.۶۴۷۳

Aflatoxins, Chromatography, Thin Layer, Peanut Oil, Pakistan