Food Microbiology

Biography

Biography: Louay Labban

Abstract

Mycotoxins are group of fungal toxins that are widespread in agricultural commodities and food. The most notorious toxin of this group is Aflatoxin. It is produced by Aspergillus fungus and can result in major economic losses and can negatively affect animal and human health by causing both acute and chronic toxicity in animals and humans including acute liver damage, liver cirrhosis and liver cancers. Oman is a major importer of different agriculture commodities such as cereals, nuts, dried fruit, spices, oil seeds, dried peas, spices, beans and fruit. As Oman has a subtropical climate, food and feed commodities are susceptible to contamination and the food chain can be affected by poor storage of these products. In order to prevent the economic loss and the negative impact on health, Aflatoxin has to be detected in food chain. Some analytical techniques such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), two-dimensional thin layer chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been available for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of AFs. Although prevention is the best control strategy, it is not always possible to prevent all mycotoxin contamination. To control the risks associated with AF contamination, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach can be used. This approach involves strategies for prevention, control, good manufacturing practices and quality control at all stages of production from the field to the final consumer. Cheap and environmentally sustainable methods that can be applied pre or post-harvest to reduce the contamination of AFs are available. These methods include proper irrigation, choice of genetically resistant crop strains and bio-pesticide management which involves using a non-aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus that competitively excludes toxic strains. Other methods include sorting and disposal of visibly moldy or damaged seeds, reducing the bioavailability of aflatoxins using clay and chemo-protection.