Aflatoxin B1 variations in animal feeds along the supply chain in Tanzania and its possible reduction by heat treatment

• Published in: Food and agricultural immunology Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 192 - 206
• Main Authors: Mwakosya, Anjelina W., Limbu, Samwel Mchele, Majaliwa, Nuria, Zou, Xiaobo, Shi, Jiyong, Kibazohi, Oscar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 31.12.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Aflatoxin B; Aflatoxin B1; Aflatoxins; Animal feed; animal feeds; animals; Corn bran; feed consumers; feed manufacturers; feed suppliers; Feeds; Health problems; heat; Heat treatment; Heat treatments; Heating; Immunoassay; immunoassays; lateral flow immunoassay; Moisture content; Moisture effects; Reduction; sunflower cake; supply chain; Supply chains; Tanzania; Water content; Tanzania
• ISSN: 0954-0105; 1465-3443; 1465-3443
• DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2022.2045908

This study evaluated the presence of aflatoxin B 1 in five different animal feeds collected from manufacturers, suppliers and consumers and its possible reduction by heating at 100°C for 180 min. A total of 160 animal feed samples were collected and analyzed by using lateral flow immunoassay method. The results revealed that all animal feeds analyzed were positive for aflatoxin B 1 with 91% samples containing high concentrations ranging from 24.00 to 76.23 ng/g above the international allowable standard for animal feeds (20 ng/g). Maize bran (76 ng/g) and sunflower cake (63 ng/g) had higher aflatoxin B 1 concentrations, correlating with higher moisture content. Upon heating the feeds, aflatoxin B 1 was reduced to a concentration ranging from 2.24 to 9.78 ng/g (<20 ng/g). Our study suggests high potential health problems to animals and humans from aflatoxins requiring proper heating and frequent monitoring of the animal feeds for aflatoxin B 1 .