Aflatoxin Assay of Home-Packed Meals of Selected Pupils in Benin City

Abstract: This study evaluated the presence and concentration of aflatoxins in home-packed meals consumed by primary school pupils in Benin City, Nigeria. Eighteen (18) food samples were collected from five (5) private schools and analyzed using standard microbiological and chromatographic methods. Fungal counts ranged from 2.0 × 10³ CFU/ml to 4.5 × 10⁴ CFU/ml, with predominant isolates including Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. aculeatus, and Penicillium citrinum. Aflatoxin types B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂ were detected at concentrations between 0.71 and 1.36 μg/kg, and total aflatoxin levels ranged from 3.20 to 4.84 μg/kg. Although these levels were within Nigerian safety limits, the results indicate potential chronic exposure risks for schoolchildren. Regular aflatoxin surveillance and improved hygiene in food preparation are recommended to ensure the safety of home-packed meals. Keywords: Aflatoxin, Aspergillus, Benin City, food safety, mycotoxin contamination, pupils. Title: Aflatoxin Assay of Home-Packed Meals of Selected Pupils in Benin City Author: Nneka Godsgift-Ofou, Maduka Ndukwe International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 5-14 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 29-October-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17472878 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Aflatoxin%20Assay%20of%20Home-Packed%20Meals-29102025-3.pdf