Surveillance and control of aflatoxins B-1, B-2, G(1), G(2), and M-1 in foodstuffs in the republic of Cyprus: 1992-1996

Aflatoxins (AFs) B-1, B-2, G(1), and G(2) in locally produced and imported foodstuffs (nuts, cereals, oily seeds, pulses, etc.) were monitored and con trolled systematically and effectively from 1992-1996, Samples (peanuts, pi stachios, etc.) with total AFs above the Cyprus maximum level (ML) of 10 mu g/kg fluctuated between 0.7 and 6.9%. The results indicate the effectivene ss of monitoring, as well as the need for constant surveillance and control , especially at critical control points (sites of import, primary storage, etc.), to prevent unfit products from entering the Cyprus market. The contr ol included sampling, retainment, analysis, and destruction of foodstuff lo ts with AF levels above MLs, The highest incidence of aflatoxin contaminati on was observed in peanut butter (56.7%) and the highest level of AF B-1 wa s found in peanuts (700 mu g/kg). Levels of AF M-1 in raw and pasteurized m ilk analyzed in 1993, 1995, and 1996 were within both the Cyprus ML (0.5 mu g/L) and the lower ML (0.05 mu g/L) of some European countries. Only 12% o f samples had detectable levels of AF M-1, Analyses were performed by immun ochemical methods. When recoveries were lower than 80%, the AF levels were corrected for recovery.