Aflatoxin in commonly used spices collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

This survey was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of total aflatoxins (AFs; B1+B2+G1+G2) in unpacked spices and herbs of five different regions of Karachi, Pakistan namely Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jona, Korangi, and Empress Market. The occurrence and concentration levels of aflatoxin contamination in unpacked spice samples obtained from Karachi's main markets were assessed using the HPLC technique. 78 (86.66 percent) of the 90 samples tested positive, with the majority of the contamination falling between 1 and 10 μg kg⁻¹ and none exceeding 10 μg kg⁻¹. The highest mean aflatoxin levels among spices were found in dried ginger (3.36 ± 0.45 μg kg⁻¹) and black caraway (3.12 ± 0.38 μg kg⁻¹), whereas the lowest concentrations were found in turmeric (1.42 ± 0.98 μg kg⁻¹) and fenugreek (1.45 ± 0.63 μg kg⁻¹). In terms of markets, Gulshan-e-Iqbal had a lower positivity rate (33%), while Empress, Jona, Nazimabad, and Korangi showed 100% contamination. Gulshan-e-Iqbal had the lowest mean level (0.39 ± 0.24 μg kg⁻¹), while Korangi Market had the highest (4.45 ± 0.98 μg kg⁻¹), followed by Empress Market (3.89 ± 0.64 μg kg⁻¹). The statistical analysis was used for statistical analysis; all data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and p < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The results show widespread aflatoxin contamination overall, emphasizing the necessity of better handling, storage, and monitoring procedures to lower possible health risks.