ABSTRACT

Objective:

Mycotoxins have carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects on most animals and humans. Among all mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has the most toxic effects.

Methods

:In this study, the aflatoxin B1 levels in red-scaled pepper samples have been determined by ELISA method.

Results:

The results revealed that 69 out of 82 samples (84.14%) were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin B1 in the range of 5.1-20.94 μg kg-1 (ppb).

Conclusion:

Aflatoxins are dangerous contaminants of red pepper and have to be considered as a major concern for public health.