Effect of [gamma]-radiation on the production of aflatoxin B sub(1) by Aspergillus parasiticus in raisins (Vitis vinifera L.)

Aflatoxin B sub(1) (AFB sub(1)) mostly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, is an extremely toxic and carcinogenic metabolite. The effect of gamma irradiation at dose of 10 kGy on the production of aflatoxin B sub(1) (AFB sub(1)) inoculated by Aspergillus parasiticus in raisins (Vitis vinifera L.) and on AFB sub(1) in contaminated samples, was investigated. Values of the amount of aflatoxin B sub(1) produced on the 12th day of incubation, after irradiation, showed that gamma radiation exposure at 10 kGy decreased AFB sub(1) production at 65% compared with the non-irradiated sample, on the same day. The application of 10 kGy gamma radiation directly on 100 ng of AFB sub(1) which were spiked in raisins resulted in ~29% reduction of AFB sub(1). According to the risk assessment analysis the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (PMTDI) of 1.0 ng AFB sub(1) kg super(-1)bw, indicates that consumers are less exposed to AFB sub(1) from the irradiated raisins.