Aflatoxin Occurrence, Contamination, Detection, and Decontamination with Special Emphasis on Coconut Oil: A Review

Abstract

Purpose: Coconut oil is one of the commonest and profusely used plant oils in Asian cuisine. Many studies are being carried out aiming at preventing/eliminating potential aflatoxin contamination of the oil or its products along the value chain. The present review analytically provides an overview of aflatoxin occurrence, contamination, detection, and decontamination of vegetable oils with special emphasis on coconut oil.Research Method: Findings and conclusions of studies related to aflatoxins, that are published in authentic sources were reviewed and presented in a chronological manner. Based on the information, current detection and decontamination methods for aflatoxins in edible plant oils were demonstrated.Findings: Complete decontamination of aflatoxins from edible oils seemed impossible, but reducing the accumulated concentrations below the permissible levels seemed possible. The use of chemical agents like alkalis, the most commonly practiced method on a commercial scale, adversely affects human health and the environment. UV irradiation is a promising physical decontamination method of oil with aflatoxins and combining UV irradiation with other potential methods such as the use of adsorbents showed an enhanced efficacy. However, further studies are required to ensure the effective and safe use of biological methods in aflatoxin-contaminated edible oils. Research Limitations:Research gaps in the application of biological decontamination methods in edible oils especially in coconut oil were found.Originality/ Value: This paper critically and aimfully analyzes the relevant information with a view to find gaps thereby showing new directions for applied research to assess nutritional, sensory, and quality attributes in the oils and value-added products, subjected to biological treatments.

Occurrence of aflatoxins in Nigerian foods

“…Eating aflatoxin-contaminated food posed the greatest risk to human health. The reason for the difficulty in preventing this contamination is due to fungi in food or food components (Wanniarachchi et al, 2023). The Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria are working towards the developing implementation strategies for applicable standards.…”

Exploring the quality and safety issues in the coconut oil processing industry in Sri Lanka: A Review

“…Sun drying is typically done in open and unshaded areas, where copra can meet dust, sand, and animal faecal material, potentially contaminating the copra with pathogenic microorganisms. Oxidation of oil can also occur during this period if sun drying is not conducted under hygienic and controlled conditions (Karunarathna et al, 2019;Wanniarachchi et al, 2023).…”

“…Furthermore, rejected copra with bacterial and fungal growth, which can contain harmful substances like aflatoxins, is also used for oil production, further compromising the quality of the extracted oil. High moisture content in such copra promotes rancidity and FFA production in the resulting oil (Deepa et al, 2015;Wanniarachchi et al, 2023).…”

“…Sun-dried copra is especially prone to contamination, and aflatoxin B2 and G1 have been detected in local coconut oil (Herath et al, 2022;Lakshman et al, 2022). Wanniarachchi, et al, 2023;Lakshman et al, 2022 indicate that 38% of local coconut oils in Sri Lanka exceed the aflatoxin limits set by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute, including branded coconut oils. They suggest that the source of contamination is copra.…”

“…Furthermore, the absence of mandatory limits for aflatoxin and Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, unless included in the Food Act, combined with the burdensome process of obtaining SLS certification, discourages compliance among small, medium, and middle-scale millers. This emphasizes the necessity for mandated standards and regulatory inclusion to promote widespread compliance (Wanniarachchi et al, 2023). (Wu & Guclu, 2012), to ensure consumer safety and to promote international trade.…”