FUNGAL CONTAMINATION AND MYCOTOXIN ANALYSIS OF ROASTED CASHEW NUT SOLD IN ENUGU AND ANAMBRA

IBEAGHA, CHIMDALU SHALOM (2025) FUNGAL CONTAMINATION AND MYCOTOXIN ANALYSIS OF ROASTED CASHEW NUT SOLD IN ENUGU AND ANAMBRA. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU.

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Abstract

Food safety and public health are seriously threatened by fungus contamination and aflatoxin in nuts, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. Aflatoxin levels and the degree of fungal contamination in roasted cashew nuts sold in a few Nigerian markets were evaluated in this investigation. The study gathered 6 samples from supermarkets and large open marketplaces in various geopolitical zones. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure aflatoxin levels, and the serial dilution method on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used to evaluate the fungal load. (76.7%) of the samples had fungal contamination, with total fungal counts ranging from CFU/g. Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species, especially A. flavus, were the most common fungal genera isolated. According to ELISA analysis, 18.3% of the samples had levels of total aflatoxins above the Codex Alimentarius Commission's recommended maximum allowable limit of 4 µg/kg, and 31.7% of the samples had detectable amounts of aflatoxins. Compared to samples from supermarkets, samples from open markets had higher contamination rates. These results drew attention to the possible health hazards that Nigerians may face when consuming roasted cashew nuts, particularly if they are handled and stored improperly. To reduce the risks of aflatoxin exposure from nut intake, the study highlights the necessity of better post-harvest management procedures, regulatory monitoring, and public education.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology
Divisions: Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 03 Jun 2026 08:44
Last Modified: 03 Jun 2026 08:44
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5727

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