Aflatoxin B1 as a Global Food Safety Threat: Toxicity Mechanisms, Detection Technologies and Control Strategies

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic and prevalent mycotoxins that can be found in food and feed worldwide. AFB1 is a by-product of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus that poses threat to food security, human health and agriculture’s economy. In this review paper, the status, structure, metabolism, toxicity, health effects, detection and prevention and detoxification strategies of AFB1 are discussed. Cereal, other crops (nuts, oilseeds), milk and agricultural products are typically vulnerable to contamination at harvest, at warm and humid temperature during transport and storage. The AFB1 is metabolized in the liver to form reactive epoxide metabolites that can react with DNA and proteins to cause oxidative stress, mutagenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute exposure can cause aflatoxicosis; chronic exposure can cause liver cancer, suppression of immune system, developmental abnormalities and growth retardation in children. There are several analytical techniques for detection of aflatoxin that are currently available, including TLC, HPLC, LC-MS, ELISA and biosensors. Other AFB1 reducing processes for food and feed have been developed and are termed prevention and detoxification processes such as adequate food storage, irradiation, acid and ozone processing, ammoniation and biological methods. Climate change, lack of advanced technologies and monitoring systems still pose difficulties to global aflatoxin control. Therefore, continued research, improved laws and sustainable mitigation strategies are essential to minimize the negative health and food security impacts of AFB1.