Determination of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A levels in nuts and dried fruits in Turkey with evaluation of the estimated daily intake

Abstract

A total of 140 samples, including nuts and dried fruits sold in the province of Istanbul, Turkey, were examined for the presence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OTA) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which were quantitatively determined and estimated daily intakes (EDI) were calculated. It was found that aflatoxins load was higher in nuts and OTA load was higher in dried fruits. The highest level of aflatoxins was found in a packaged roasted hazelnut sample (8.043 µg·kg-1). The maximum OTA level was detected in an unpackaged raisin sample (0.505 µg·kg-1). The highest EDI values of aflatoxins were seen in hazelnut samples and were determined as 0.025 ng·kg-1 body weight (BW) per day. EDI of OTA was similar between the groups (0.000–0.001 ng·kg-1 BW per day). As a result, the con-tents detected for both toxins in the products examined were below the legal limits, except for one hazelnut sample (aflatoxin B1: 7.645 µg·kg-1). The EDI values were below the limit values set by the European Food Safety Authority. However, since it is possible for these values to rise to risky levels, the risk of contamination should be minimized by taking the necessary precautions.