Nancy Wolf, Lina Müller, Sarah Enge, Tina Ungethüm, Thomas J Simat
{"title":"Thermal desorption - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) analysis of PFAS used in food contact materials.","authors":"Nancy Wolf, Lina Müller, Sarah Enge, Tina Ungethüm, Thomas J Simat","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2370371","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2370371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in food contact materials (FCMs), e.g. as production aids in the fabrication of PTFE based coatings for kitchenware or as additives in paper and board. Growing concerns about the environment and health related to PFAS have led to an increasing interest in monitoring PFAS levels in FCMs as well as their migration into food. In this study, method development for the analysis of PFAS by thermal desorption - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) was done. In addition to fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), which are the only PFAS commonly analysed by GC-MS, it was proven that perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and per- and polyfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) as well as their thermolysis products, perfluoroethers (PFEs) and perfluoroalkenes, can be analysed by GC-MS without prior derivatization. Screening for PFCAs and FTOHs was possible by electron impact ionization (EI) using group specific SIM fragments. Confirmation of identity has been done by EI scans as well as chemical ionization (CI) SIM measurements. LODs (limits of detection) of PFCAs, FTOHs and PFECAs in the TD-GC-MS instrument were in the low pg range. Thermal degradation of PFCAs and PFECAs during TD-GC-MS measurement was investigated.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1099-1117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141579373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Moniek Ringenier, Marc Cherlet, Jeroen Dewulf, Mathias Devreese
{"title":"Residue depletion of enrofloxacin and flumequine in feathers of broilers based on quantitative UHPLC-MS/MS detection.","authors":"Moniek Ringenier, Marc Cherlet, Jeroen Dewulf, Mathias Devreese","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2370367","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2370367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To explore potential factors contributing to high fluoroquinolone resistance levels, it is essential to develop analytical methods capable of detecting residues and trace amounts of antibiotic use in broilers. The aim of the present study was to develop and in-house validate a sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method capable of determining enrofloxacin (ENR) and flumequine (FLU) residues at slaughter age (day 45) when the animals were treated with these antimicrobials one day after hatching. Residue depletion of ENR and FLU in feathers was also assessed. Two experimental trials were performed, both consisting of 5 different treatment groups. In the first trial animals were treated with ENR and in the second one with FLU. The developed method was successfully validated and was found to be sensitive enough to detect residues of fluoroquinolones in the feathers up until slaughter age in all treatment groups. Average ENR concentration on day 45 was 10 ng g<sup>-1</sup> feather after drinking water treatment, with all concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5 ng g<sup>-1</sup> feather. For FLU average concentration on day 45 after drinking water administration was 4 ng g<sup>-1</sup> feather, with an LOQ of 1 ng g<sup>-1</sup> feather. Therefore, the method is suited for application to monitor fluoroquinolone use in broilers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1065-1076"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141456183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ícaro Gouvêa Nicoluci, Beatriz Scárdua da Silva, Patrícia Aparecida de Campos Braga, Adriana Pavesi Arisseto Bragotto
{"title":"Determination of high-intensity sweeteners in bakery products marketed in Brazil and dietary exposure assessment.","authors":"Ícaro Gouvêa Nicoluci, Beatriz Scárdua da Silva, Patrícia Aparecida de Campos Braga, Adriana Pavesi Arisseto Bragotto","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371929","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bakery products, including biscuits, cakes and breads, generally present a high content of simple sugars of rapid absorption, high fat content and low amount of dietary fiber, which make them highly caloric foods. Although sucrose is a very important ingredient in bakery products for its preservation characteristics and a significant source of energy, there is a growing interest in replacing this sugar with alternative substances, such as high-intensity sweeteners (HIS) that provide sweetness with no or low calories. In Brazil, there is no data on the use of HIS in this class of food. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of HIS in baked food commercially available in the country and estimate the dietary exposure to these food additives. For that, an analytical method was established for the simultaneous determination of nine HIS in bakery products using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Sample preparation steps were required based on mechanical kneading for homogenization, hexane extraction of fats, dilution in mobile phase and vortex homogenization, prior to injection into the system. The results obtained during validation showed that coefficients of variation (CV%) for precision were lower than 13.8% and the accuracy was between 91.6% and 109.1%. Aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sodium cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose and steviol glycosides were found in the samples, used alone or in combinations of up five substances. Steviol glycosides were the most found HIS in biscuit samples, while sucralose was the most common sweetener in cake and bread samples. Analysis of product labels revealed only three different claims, .i.e. 'no sugar', 'no added sugar' and 'zero sugar', with the latter being found in 70% of the samples. Exposure to HIS through the consumption of bakery products estimated per eating occasion showed no concerns regarding toxicological risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1057-1064"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141467285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Disposition of [<sup>14</sup>C]-polystyrene microplastics after oral administration to lactating sheep.","authors":"Weilin L Shelver, Amy M McGarvey, Lloyd O Billey","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2379382","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2379382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastics have become a ubiquitous contaminant, but their fate in food animals is largely unknown. In this study, [<sup>14</sup>C]-polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) particles were orally dosed to lactating sheep to evaluate their absorption and disposition. Elimination of the [<sup>14</sup>C]-PS-MP was predominately through faeces with faecal radioactivity peaking at 24 h post-dosing but continuing to be present throughout the entire 72 h study period. Only a small fraction (≤ 1%) of the dosed [<sup>14</sup>C]-PS-MP was present in blood, milk, and urine. Pharmacokinetic analysis of blood plasma radioactivity, using non-compartment modeling, indicated rapid absorption (T<sub>1/2</sub> 0.4 to 3 h) with slow elimination (T<sub>1/2</sub> 37 to 48 h). Radioactivity in milk and urine had similar elimination patterns with radiocarbon activities peaking 24 h post-dosing with detectable elimination throughout the 72 h study period. No radioactivity was quantifiable in tissues at the 72 h withdrawal period.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1132-1143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141747811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad Shakil Ahmad, Yousef Abud Alanazi, Yousef Alrohaimi, Riyaz Ahamed Shaik, Sami Alrashidi, Yazeed A Al-Ghasham, Yasir S Alkhalifah, Ritu Kumar Ahmad
{"title":"Occurrence, evaluation, and human health risk assessment of ochratoxin a in infant formula and cereal-based baby food: a global literature systematic review.","authors":"Mohammad Shakil Ahmad, Yousef Abud Alanazi, Yousef Alrohaimi, Riyaz Ahamed Shaik, Sami Alrashidi, Yazeed A Al-Ghasham, Yasir S Alkhalifah, Ritu Kumar Ahmad","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376157","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study reviews global levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in infant formula and cereal-based foods, using Monte Carlo simulation to assess risks. The review found 24 studies on global OTA levels in infant food and cereal-based products, using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase until March 2024. We estimated OTA exposure in infant food based on concentration, intake and body weight. The exposure and hazard quotient margin were calculated using BMDL10 and TDI values. Monte Carlo simulation evaluated human health risks from OTA in infant formula and cereal-based foods. A global study from 14 countries shows varying levels, surpassing EU limits in Tunisia, Ecuador, the USA, and generally in Africa, notably in infant cereals, which had higher levels than formula. Globally, OTA was present in 29.3% of the 3348 samples analyzed, with Lebanon at 95.2% and Brazil at 0%. Analysis indicates only non-carcinogenic risk for infants. While health risks for infants are mostly low, ongoing research and monitoring are vital to minimize OTA exposure in infant food.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1171-1186"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Felipe Stanislau Candido, Andre Victor Sartori, Armi Wanderley da Nobrega
{"title":"A miniaturized QuEChERS and UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of mycotoxins in cashew nuts.","authors":"Felipe Stanislau Candido, Andre Victor Sartori, Armi Wanderley da Nobrega","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376156","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to develop and validate a multi-mycotoxin analysis method applied to cashew nuts by employing a miniaturized QuEChERS method followed by determination by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Satisfactory recoveries for the concentrations 1, 10 and 30 ng g<sup>-1</sup>, ranging from 66% (fumonisin B<sub>1</sub>) to 110% (ochratoxin A) and relative standard deviations lower than 9% (fumonisin B<sub>2</sub>) were obtained for the target compounds. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.004 ng g<sup>-1</sup> (sterigmatocystin) to 0.59 ng g<sup>-1</sup> (alternariol). The applicability of the analytical method was verified by analyzing 30 cashew nut samples from the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, southeastern Brazil. Aflatoxins M1, G2, G1, B2, B1, ochratoxin A and sterigmatocystin were detected, respectively, in 27%, 10%, 17%, 30%, 30%, 30% and 50% of the analyzed samples, at maximum concentrations of 0.56, 0.67, 1.43, 2.02, 4.93, 4.81, and 0.35 ng g<sup>-1</sup>. The maximum limit established by Brazilian legislation for aflatoxins was not exceeded by any of the analyzed samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1158-1170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aleksandra Gorska, Sabine Danthine, Nicolas Jacquet, Giorgia Purcaro
{"title":"Impact of deodorisation time and temperature on the removal of different MOAH structures: a lab-scale study on spiked coconut oil.","authors":"Aleksandra Gorska, Sabine Danthine, Nicolas Jacquet, Giorgia Purcaro","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371925","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vegetable fats and oils are prone to contamination by mineral oil hydrocarbons due to the lipophilic and ubiquitous character of the latter. As the aromatic fraction of these hydrocarbons, MOAH, is associated with carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and detrimental effects on foetal development, finding strategies to limit or reduce their contamination is highly relevant. Deodorisation (i.e. a refining step) has shown the ability to remove MOAH < C25 in vegetable fats and oils, but there is little information about the structures removed. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of deodorisation conditions on the removal of different structures of MOAH in spiked coconut oil. An inscribed central composite design was built with time and temperature as variables (0.5-4h, 150-240 °C), while pressure (3 mbar) and steam flow (1 g water/g oil per hour) were kept constant. The analysis of MOAH in the oil was performed using a fully automated liquid chromatography coupled with two parallel comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography systems with flame ionisation and time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection. Response surfaces plotting the MOAH loss according to time and temperature were built for different MOAH fractions. The latter were defined based on the number of aromatic rings (>3 or ≤3) and the number of carbon atoms present (C16-C20, C20-C24, C24-C35, C35-C40). It was found that at 200 °C, compounds < C24, including weakly alkylated triaromatics, could be reduced to below the limit of quantification, while at 230 °C, it was possible to remove >60% of the C24-C35 fraction, including pentaromatics of low alkylation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1118-1131"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141456182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing maize safety: the role of co-regulation as a regulatory strategy to manage fumonisin risk.","authors":"Megan K Rooney, Timothy J Herrman","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376159","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2376159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the implementation of the One Sample Strategy (OSS), a co-regulation program aimed at managing mycotoxin risk in Texas maize. Fumonisin-contaminated cereals and oilseeds that contain greater than 5 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> of the toxin (B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub>, and B<sub>3</sub>) are a risk for equids and rabbits, and levels greater than 60 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> are a risk to ruminants. The OSS, previously successful in managing aflatoxin risk in Texas maize, was evaluated for its effectiveness in handling fumonisin risk in maize, specifically as it relates to ruminants. In 2017, 25 analysts across seven firms qualified to participate in the program. To ensure greater accuracy in testing, working control samples were provided to the participating OSS firms with the requirement that their results fall within +/- 20% of the target concentration. Ninety-four percent of the working controls met this specification. The capability to grind maize to the OSS prescribed particle size was met by 100% of participants. To verify testing accuracy, file samples collected from each OSS firm were analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. The 177 fumonisin verification samples analysed by Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC) were correlated (<i>r</i> = 0.93) with co-regulation laboratories. Results were plotted in an operating curve to depict type I and type II errors. Error analysis revealed a type I error rate of 13% and type II error rate of 2% for the 5 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> guidance level, and 6% and 8%, respectively, for the 60 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> guidance level. For 2017, 994 official reports of analysis for fumonisin in whole maize in the Texas High Plains were issued by the seven laboratories that employed 25 OTSC-credentialed analysts. The OSS co-regulation program, supported by a quality systems approach and government regulations, has proven effective in managing fumonisin risk in Texas maize, enhancing both market confidence and livestock safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1187-1196"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141558494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kirsten Knoop, Lisa Monika Klein, Angelika Miriam Knispel, Florian Kaltner, Christoph Gottschalk, Karin Knappstein, Janine Saltzmann, Sven Dänicke
{"title":"Dose-response study on the transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from a tansy ragwort extract (<i>Jacobaea vulgaris</i> Gaertn.) to bovine milk.","authors":"Kirsten Knoop, Lisa Monika Klein, Angelika Miriam Knispel, Florian Kaltner, Christoph Gottschalk, Karin Knappstein, Janine Saltzmann, Sven Dänicke","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371941","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2371941","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ragworts like tansy ragwort (<i>J. vulgaris</i> Gaertn., syn. <i>Senecio jacobaea</i> L.) contain hepatotoxic and cancerogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) and their corresponding pyrrolizidine alkaloid <i>N</i>-oxides (PANO). Due to increasing spread of ragworts (<i>Jacobaea</i> spp.) PA/PANO may pose a health risk to animals and humans consuming contaminated feed and food. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the transfer of individual PA/PANO originating from a well-defined PA/PANO extract into the milk of dairy cows. For this objective, 16 German Holstein cows were assigned to four treatment groups (<i>n</i> = 4) in a 28-day dose-response study. Administration into the reticulorumen was performed daily by gavage after the morning milking. Three groups received different amounts of the <i>J. vulgaris</i> extract resulting in a PA/PANO exposure of 0.47, 0.95, or 1.91 mg PA/PANO/kg body weight/day, respectively. Furthermore, a control group received molasses to account for the sugar content of the used PA/PANO extract. While the composition of the PA/PANO extract was more diverse, the PA/PANO pattern in milk was dominated by the PA in their free base form. It was shown that mainly PA considered stable in the rumen environment were transferred into the milk. The main compounds in milk were jacoline (74.3 ± 2.4% of the PA/PANO sum), jaconine (11.2 ± 1.3%), and jacobine (7.2 ± 0.6%) with concentrations up to 29.7, 4.65 µg/l, or in the highest exposed group, 3.44 µg/l. There was no dose-dependent effect on the total PA/PANO transfer rate into the milk. The average transfer rate was 0.064 ± 0.005% of the administered content.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1144-1157"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141497598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cynthia Wakhungu, Sheila Okoth, Nicholas Amimo, Peter Wachira, Truphosa Amakhobe, Ann Owiti, Patrick Wachira
{"title":"Screening of mycoflora and ochratoxin A on common culinary herbs and spices in Kenya.","authors":"Cynthia Wakhungu, Sheila Okoth, Nicholas Amimo, Peter Wachira, Truphosa Amakhobe, Ann Owiti, Patrick Wachira","doi":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2367212","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19440049.2024.2367212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to screen fungal diversity and ochratoxin A levels on culinary spice and herb samples sold in open-air markets and supermarkets in Nairobi County, Kenya. All herbs were grown in Kenya, while locally-produced and imported spices were purchased from both types of retail outlet. The results showed a high frequency of <i>Aspergillus</i> and <i>Penicillium</i> species contaminating the samples. The isolated species included <i>Aspergillus ochraceous</i>, <i>Aspergillus nomiae</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>, <i>Aspergillus ustus</i>, <i>Aspergillus terrus</i>, <i>Aspergillus nidulans</i>, <i>Aspergillus clavutus</i>, <i>Penicillium crustosum</i>, <i>Penicillium expansum</i>, <i>Penicillium brevicompactum</i>, <i>Penicillium glabrum</i>, <i>Penicillium thomii</i>, <i>Penicillium citrinum</i>, <i>Penicillium polonicum</i>, and <i>Cladosporium cladosporioides.</i> Total fungal count on spice and herb samples collected from various sources varied between 6 and 7 CFU/mL. Of imported spices, garlic had the highest fungal diversity, while cardamom had the least. For spices from both open market and supermarket outlets, cloves had the highest fungal diversity, while white pepper had the least. For the herbs sampled from the open markets, basil was the most contaminated, while sage was the least. In supermarket samples, parsley, sage, and mint had the highest fungal diversity, and bay had the least. The results indicate the contamination of spices and herbs with OTA at high concentrations. The calibration curve was saturated at 40 µg/kg; with samples of garlic, cinnamon, red chili, basil, thyme, mint, sage, and parsley having levels above this. Of the spices, imported ginger had the highest OTA levels (28.7 µg/kg), while turmeric from the open market had the least, 2.14 µg/kg. For herb samples, parsley from the open market had the highest OTA levels at 29.4 µg/kg, while marjoram from the open market had the lowest at 6.35 µg/kg. The results demonstrate the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi and OTA contamination of marketed culinary herbs and spices beyond acceptable limits. Hence, there is a need for informed and sustainable mitigation strategies aimed at reducing human exposure in Kenya to OTA mycotoxicosis through dietary intake of spices and herbs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12295,"journal":{"name":"Food Additives and Contaminants Part A-chemistry Analysis Control Exposure & Risk Assessment","volume":" ","pages":"1003-1017"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141316959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}