Aflatoxin content and heavy metals composition of powdered pepper from selected markets in Kwara state, Nigeria

Aflatoxin and heavy metal concentrations may pose health risks to pepper consumers. No research has been published concerning aflatoxin and heavy metal contamination of powdered pepper in Kwara state, Nigeria, hence the need for this study. Powdered pepper samples from various Kwara state markets (Offa, Oja-Oba, Ganmo, Shao, Elemere, and Malete), were analyzed using standard methods for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), and G2 (AFG2), and lead, cadmium, copper, and arsenic. A laboratory-prepared sample was used as the control. The samples’ mean AFB1 was 2.86 μg/kg, AFG1 4.34 μg/kg, AFB2 2.03 μg/kg, and AFG2 1.88 μg/kg. In general, the levels of aflatoxin in the powdered pepper samples were found in the order of AFG1 > AFB1 > AFB2 > AFG2. The samples’ aflatoxin concentration is less than the US Food and Drug Administration’s (20 μg/kg) contamination threshold. The FDA’s guideline for lead level in food, which is 0.1 mg/kg, was surpassed by the lead concentration, which varied from 1.84 to 3.45 mg/kg. The range of arsenic concentration was 10.18-22.68 mg/kg, which is higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 0.0003 mg/kg. The copper concentration met the FDA’s 10-mg/kg threshold, which ranged from 2.66 to 4.42 mg/kg. The study’s findings demonstrate the need for a monitoring and education programme in Kwara state to ensure the public’s safety while consuming powdered pepper.