Mycotoxicological Characterization and Ochratoxin A Level in Garri Obtained From Bida Markets, Niger State, Nigeria

In Nigeria, garri is a staple dish that is widely consumed, particularly by Northern, Eastern, and Southern Nigerians. The study's objective was to assess the Mycotoxicological Characteristics and Levels of Ochratoxin A (OTA) linked to garri that was purchased from Bida Markets in Niger State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. The ElabScience ELISA kits were used to detect the level of OTA in the samples. The findings of study revealed the presence of Aspergillus niger (33.3%), Aspergillus flavus and Emmosia crescens (25%), Crypotococcosis sp (12.5%) as the major fungal species associated with the garri samples. The OTA concentration ranged from 3.740ppb in YMKT, to 3.280ppb in SMKT, then NMKT 2.995ppb, the study concluded that OTA levels fell less than the recommended limit set by Codex Alimentarius Commission which is 5-10ppb, it has significant implication for food safety, public health, trade and production practice. Proper fermentation processes should be adopted, uncontaminated equipment and storage facilities, sufficient drying methods should be provided to prevent mycotoxins infestation.