Aflatoxins in sunflower seeds and unrefined sunflower oils from Singida, Tanzania

A total of 61 samples comprising sunflower seeds (40) and unrefined sunflower oils (21) samples collected randomly from Singida, Tanzania were analysed by Reverse Phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). 15% (6/40) of the seed samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B-1 ranging from limit of detection (LOD) to 218 ng g(-1) with three of them exceeding the European Commission/European Union (EC/EU) and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)/Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) maximum limits of 2 ng g(-1) for AFB(1) in oilseeds. The levels of total aflatoxins (AFT) in seeds ranged from LOD to 243 ng g(-1). Other aflatoxins, except AFG(2), were also detected. For the unrefined sunflower oils, the levels of AFB(1) ranged from LOD to 2.56ng mL(-1). About 80.9% (17/21) of the analysed oil samples contained AFB(1) of which 17.65% (3/17) exceeded the EC/EU and TBS/TFDA maximum limits of 2ng mL(-1). Other aflatoxins were also detected in the oils. The measured levels indicate there is a need for food quality education among food processors.