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International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture

ISSN Online: 2578-3475 Downloads: 234920 Total View: 3105170
Frequency: quarterly ISSN Print: 2578-3467 CODEN: IJFSJ3
Email: ijfsa@hillpublisher.com
Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2021.09.007

Incidence of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Overripe Fruits Sold in Lugbe Market and Its Potential Health Implications

G. B. Olukotun*, R. R. Ideh, N. O. Oyedokun, T. Abdulkareem, O. J. Asake, O. A. Onuh

Product Development Unit, BED, National Biotechnology Development Agency, (FMST), Umaru MusaYar'adua Expressway, Abuja, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author: G. B. Olukotun

Published: July 22,2021

Abstract

Many strains of fungi are known to produce mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, patulin and alternaria toxins which are secondary metabolites released into foods and food products. The incidence of these metabolites in foods especially fruits is of great human health concern due to its toxigenic potentials even at low dose levels. Of greater concerns is the consumers’ attitude toward the consumption of these fruits, particularly in the areas we studied. The major aim of this research was therefore, to determine the prevalence of fungi associated with ripe, over-ripe and rotten fruits and the consumers’ responses using structured questionnaire as well as empirical laboratory analysis. The fungal analysis of the vended ripe and overripe fruits was studied using standard analytical methods. Results show that fungi isolated from the fruits were Aspergillus niger, which is a potent producer of mycotoxin (37%), Fusarium sp. (8%), Mucor mucedo (18%), Aspergillus fumigatus (13%), Mucor sp. (11%), Aspergillus flavus (5%), Penicillium digitatum (4%), Rhizopus stolonifer (3%) and Phytophthora sp. (2%) in that order. This indicates that these fungi species are of economic and public health significance as they are capable of producing toxic compounds in fruits. The toxic substances can result to food poisoning or intoxication if consumed. High poverty level and lack of awareness that over-ripe fruits provide good ground for the growth and production of toxin-laden fungi are the leading factors responsible for many people eating overripe fruits according to our questionnaire. The questionnaire analyses also show that many people are unaware of the dangers associated with the consumption of over-ripe fruits. The results of this work could be used as added material for educating the masses about the dangers of consuming toxigenic materials especially unwholesome fruits.

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How to cite this paper

Incidence of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Overripe Fruits Sold in Lugbe Market and Its Potential Health Implications

How to cite this paper: G. B. Olukotun, R. R. Ideh, N. O. Oyedokun, T. Abdulkareem, O. J. Asake, O. A. Onuh. (2021) Incidence of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Overripe Fruits Sold in Lugbe Market and Its Potential Health Implications. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture5(3), 381-388.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2021.09.007