Over the years, aflatoxin contamination of foods and vegetables have been a serious threat to the wellbeing of animals and food security in resource poor nations. The aim of the research is to determine the level of aflatoxin contamination of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersycum) marketed within Dekina local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Forty-five (45) tomatoes samples consisting of (15 fresh, 15 semi-rotten and 15 dried) were randomly collected from five markets, namely; Abocho, Olowa, Etutekpe, Anyigba and Egume. The samples were properly preserved in nylon bags to prevent contamination. This was followed by extraction protocol established by the International Institute of tropical agriculture laboratory Ibadan (IITA, 2016). The extracts were analysed for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with scanning densitometer, having detection limit of 0.05 ppb. The result obtained showed o.oo ppb for all the samples analysed. This is an indication that all samples analysed were free from aflatoxin contamination. This report may suggest that tomatoes sold within this area are safe for consumption.
[1]
Suleiman Mohammed Salisu, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
[2]
Ojogbane Ele-Ojo, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
[3]
Omede Ameh, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
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