Products and SolutionsAflatoxin & Ochratoxin in Figs

Managing Mycotoxin Risks in Dried Figs 

Between October and December, the dried fig industry witnesses its peak sales season, resulting in high trading volumes and a surge in demand for food safety testing. During this period, a significant challenge arises to ensure that dried figs comply with essential food safety standards. The primary focus of testing during these months is often the detection of harmful substances such as sulfites and mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, which are regulated at very low levels in food products.

 

The Significance of Sulfites and Mycotoxins in Dried Figs

Sulfites are frequently utilized in the dried fruit industry to maintain color, prolong shelf life, and inhibit microbial growth (Weil et al. 2006; Kirschner 2006). While sulfites are crucial for preserving the quality of dried figs, they do not address the more critical concern of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by molds that can contaminate dried fruits, including figs. Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are two of the most concerning mycotoxins found in dried figs, both of which are highly toxic and pose significant health risks to consumers.

 

Mycotoxins, particularly the highly toxic aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, are prevalent in dried fruits, making it essential to include them in food safety testing strategies. These mycotoxins are regulated at very low levels, and exceeding those limits can lead to trade bans, product recalls, and border rejections. Therefore, product quality is rigorously tested to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

 

Mycotoxin Contamination: A Seasonal Challenge

From October 1st to December 1st, 2024, there were 75 notifications concerning mycotoxins in dried fruits. Interestingly, the incidence of mycotoxin contamination outside this period is significantly lower; during this two-month window, the rate of occurrence triples! Notably, 100% of all “fruit and vegetables” incidents reported in the European food safety database were linked to figs.

 

Does This Indicate a Higher Prevalence or Trading of Lower Quality?

The increased seasonal demand has led to a rise in the total number of unsafe figs. Food safety testing for aflatoxins B/G, ochratoxin A, and other residues like elevated sulfite levels are essential tools in this context. Seasonal spikes in trading activity, the periodic occurrence of mycotoxins, and the influence of climate or weather on mycotoxin levels underscore the critical importance of mycotoxin testing as part of global food safety, especially during this peak season for figs and other commodities influenced by seasonal demands. Automation in food testing facilitates rapid, unattended sample preparation and subsequent analysis, enhancing quality and minimizing the risk of non-compliance with food safety regulations.

 

Enhancing Mycotoxin Testing with Cleanup Technologies

Numerous companies offer advanced cleanup technologies, sample cleanup robotics, and high-quality consumables to meet food safety regulations. LCTech provides tools such as robotic devices (FREESTYLE ThermELUTE) for swift, highly sensitive testing. Alongside consumables like OtaCLEAN SMART and AflaCLEAN SMART, these technologies enable quick sample cleanup and subsequent analysis via HPLC fluorescence or LC-MS/MS in under 20 minutes. This ensures that dried figs can be enjoyed sweetly without concerns about mycotoxin contamination during the season.

 

If both toxins are of interest, a combined cleanup using the Afla-OtaCLEAN can save time and resources, as it purifies both aflatoxins and ochratoxin A simultaneously using specific antibodies.

 

• Application note available here for download: https://www.lctech.de/download-an1150

 

• For all UK enquiries please contact Verulam Scientific Ltd – The UK official distributor and service provider for LCTech GmbH

 

• Speak to a member of our technical team at [email protected] or call 01234 381000 to see how we can help you.

 

 

Original source – Dr Frederik Wuppmann LCTech Food Safety Expert & Mycotoxin Analysis / Sample Cleanup SPE Solid Phase Extraction