Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2025)
J Sch Public Health Inst Public Health Res. 2025, 23(3): 219-228 |
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Amini-Khoei G, Vahed-Dehkordi N, Rahimi E. Comparative Evaluation of B1 and G1 Aflatoxins Contamination in Cold-Pressed Sesame, Sunflower, and Rapeseed Oils in Isfahan. J Sch Public Health Inst Public Health Res. 2025; 23 (3) :219-228
URL: http://sjsph.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6443-en.html
URL: http://sjsph.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6443-en.html
1- , najmeh.vaheddehkordi@iau.ir
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background and Aim: Despite the nutritional benefits of cold-pressed oils, the expansion of cold-pressed oil production has introduced new challenges in food safety. Aflatoxins, recognized as proven carcinogens, exhibit considerable stability in unrefined oils. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the concentrations of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) and G1 (AFG1) in cold-pressed sesame, sunflower, and rapeseed oils marketed in Isfahan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 50 oil samples, including 20 sesames, 15 sunflowers, and 15 rapeseed oil samples, were randomly collected. Aflatoxin concentrations were determined using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with commercial kits having a detection limit of 0.5 μg/kg. Optical density was measured at 450 nm, and the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS version 26.
Results: The results demonstrated a significant and uneven distribution of aflatoxin contamination among different oil types (p < 0.05). Sesame oil exhibited the highest contamination level, with a mean AFB1 concentration of 7.64 ± 1.61 μg/kg, and all samples (100%) exceeded the European Union maximum permissible limit (2 μg/kg). Sunflower oil showed a mean AFB1 concentration of 1.79 μg/kg and was classified as having a moderate risk level, approaching the critical threshold. In contrast, rapeseed oil exhibited the lowest contamination level, with a mean concentration of 0.41 μg/kg. Moreover, in all positive samples, the mean concentration of AFB1 was estimated to be 3.2-fold higher than that of AFG1, indicating the predominance of this toxin.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the cold-pressing process is unable to eliminate aflatoxins originating from contaminated raw seeds. Considering the critical contamination levels detected in sesame oil, continuous monitoring of raw seed quality and raising consumer awareness regarding the selection of lower-risk oils, such as rapeseed oil, are essential measures for safeguarding public health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 50 oil samples, including 20 sesames, 15 sunflowers, and 15 rapeseed oil samples, were randomly collected. Aflatoxin concentrations were determined using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with commercial kits having a detection limit of 0.5 μg/kg. Optical density was measured at 450 nm, and the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS version 26.
Results: The results demonstrated a significant and uneven distribution of aflatoxin contamination among different oil types (p < 0.05). Sesame oil exhibited the highest contamination level, with a mean AFB1 concentration of 7.64 ± 1.61 μg/kg, and all samples (100%) exceeded the European Union maximum permissible limit (2 μg/kg). Sunflower oil showed a mean AFB1 concentration of 1.79 μg/kg and was classified as having a moderate risk level, approaching the critical threshold. In contrast, rapeseed oil exhibited the lowest contamination level, with a mean concentration of 0.41 μg/kg. Moreover, in all positive samples, the mean concentration of AFB1 was estimated to be 3.2-fold higher than that of AFG1, indicating the predominance of this toxin.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the cold-pressing process is unable to eliminate aflatoxins originating from contaminated raw seeds. Considering the critical contamination levels detected in sesame oil, continuous monitoring of raw seed quality and raising consumer awareness regarding the selection of lower-risk oils, such as rapeseed oil, are essential measures for safeguarding public health.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Public Health
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