Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Retail Kola Nuts in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to determine Aflatoxins present in kola nuts sold in Ibadan metropolis.
 Study design: Kola nuts were randomly purchased from different markets in Ibadan, Oyo State.
 Methodology: Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and spectrophotometric method were used for the determination of aflatoxins in the kola nuts samples.
 Results: All the samples collected were contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were present in the kola nuts samples ranging from 9.73 - 25.43 μg/kg and 10.90 - 29.67 μg/kg respectively.
 Conclusion: The levels of aflatoxins in the sampled kola nuts were mostly above recommended tolerable limits. It is imperative to enlighten stakeholders on possible ways of handling kola nuts towards reducing the aflatoxin incidences to the barest minimum in order to safeguard the health of the populace.