Aflatoxins contamination in chilli samples from Pakistan

The aim of this study was to prioritise disease and pest constraints in chilli by highlighting aflatoxin concentrations to assist local farmers in control. All samples contained aflatoxin B(1) and high levels were obtained from all ground samples. A direct relationship was observed between aflatoxin B(1) and aflatoxin B(2) concentrations. There was no relation between aflatoxin and Aspergillus flavus detection. Chilli production in Pakistan may be heavily constrained by aflatoxin contamination. Simply removing A. flavus may be insufficient for control. Aflatoxins from chilli may be a threat to the health of populations and a constraint on development in Pakistan. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.