Managing Aflatoxin Risk
using AOCS Methods and Laboratory Proficiency Testing
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are group of metabolic products formed by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungi in several agricultural commodities. Exposure to aflatoxins occurs primarily through ingesting contaminated food. Once ingested, aflatoxins can cause hepatic and gastrointestinal injury, suppress immune system function, disturb fetal development and cause cancer.
How have aflatoxins impacted producers and consumers?
Aflatoxins require significant, regular testing efforts by producers to mitigate the risk of contaminating products moving downstream in the supply chain. Accurate and efficient testing methods increase the ability of producers to cost-effectively prevent product contamination.
In May 2004, an outbreak of jaundice with a high fatality rate occurred in Eastern and Central Kenya. Lab testing of maize and foods containing maize revealed 53.2% of samples with aflatoxin B1 levels greater than 20 ppb. In the US, for example, aflatoxin concentrations are limited to 20 ppb.
In 2013, aflatoxin-contaminated corn required the detection and removal of contaminated feed and other products, such as milk, from European markets.
How do AOCS Methods help test for aflatoxins?
AOCS Methods are internationally recognized analytical testing methods that have been rigorously developed and validated.
AOCS offers thirteen methods to detect aflatoxins. These methods provide consistent and reliable procedures to detect and quantify the presence of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities.
- Aa 8-83 Aflatoxins in Cottonseed and Cottonseed Products, Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
- Aa 9-86 Thin-Layer Chromatography Confirmation of Aflatoxins
- Aa 9a-97 Aflatoxins in Corn and Peanut by Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
- Aa 10-88 Aflatoxin Standards
- Aa 11-05 Aflatoxins by HPLC Using Postcolumn Photochemical Derivatization
- Ab 6-68 Aflatoxins in Peanuts and Peanut Products, Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
- Ab 7-91 Aflatoxins in Peanuts and Peanut Products, HPLC Fluorescence Method
- Ah 1-72 Aflatoxins in Copra and Copra Meal, Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
- Aj 1-86 Aflatoxins in Corn, Minicolumn Method
- Aj 3-87 Aflatoxins in Corn, Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
- Aj 6-95 Aflatoxins B1, B2 and G1 in Corn, Cottonseed, Peanuts, and Peanut Butter, ELISA Method
- Aj 6a-97 Aflatoxins B1, B2, and G1 in Corn, ELISA Method
- Cb 6-86 Aflatoxins M1 and M2 in Dairy Products, Thin-Layer Chromatography Method
How does participating in an AOCS profiency program help manage aflatoxin risk?
Allows buyers and sellers to detect and eliminate aflatoxins
- Provides consistent testing procedures and results across buyers and sellers, including replicating analyses, recalibrating instrumentation, and correlating results.
- Provides reliable and accurate analyses that assist with systematically monitoring aflatoxin risk across the global food and feed sectors.
Fulfills ISO 17025 requirements
- Completing a year in the program makes lab staff eligible to apply for Approved Chemist status - approved chemists can use the logo on their materials.
Enhances lab credibility
- Demonstrates a lab's competence in proficiency testing, one of the "big three" in a laboratory quality system, along with traceability and uncertainty.
- Allows labs to compare results against peers to monitor ongoing performance in aflatoxin analysis.
Initiates actions to improve lab quality control
- Identify inadequate testing or measurement procedures
- Ensure the effectiveness of staff training and supervision
- Validate accurate and consistent calibration of equipment
What are the aflatoxin LPP series offered by AOCS?
- Determines Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2
Aflatoxin in Corn Meal Test Kit
- Determines Total Aflatoxins
- Determines Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2
- Determines Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2
- Determines Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2
Aflatoxin in Peanut Paste Test Kit
- Determines Total Aflatoxins
Aflatoxin in Pistachio and Almond
- Determines Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2