AFLATOXIN SAFETY EVALUATION AND DETECTION OF ADULTERATION IN LOCALLY PROCESSED POWDERED GINGER SOLD IN SELECTED MARKETS IN KADUNA NORTH KADUNA

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and remain a serious safety concern; adulteration compromises the nutritional and medicinal properties of spices, reducing their purity and therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the safety and authenticity of locally processed powdered ginger sold in selected markets within Kaduna North, Kaduna by determining moisture and ash contents, aflatoxin concentration, and detecting adulteration. Powdered ginger samples were collected from three markets (Kawo, Unguwar Rimi and Central) in triplicates. Control samples (peeled and unpeeled) were prepared by collecting the raw samples of ginger. Moisture and ash contents were determined using AOAC standard procedures, aflatoxin concentration were analyzed using Enzyme linked ImmunosorbentAssay (ELISA). Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) was used in the spectral range of 4000-650 cm-' to detect adulteration. Moisture content ranged from 3.82-5.21 %, with the highest value recorded in Kawo market and the lowest in the peeled control. Ash content ranged from 4.27-4.89%, with the peeled control having the highest value indicating better mineral composition. Aflatoxin concentrations ranged from 0.153-0.274 µg/kg. Notably, despite the presence of aflatoxins, all samples remained well below the regulatory limit of 1 0µg/kg. FTIR spectral analysis revealed compositional differences between the market-processed and control samples. Additional peak shifts in the fingerprint region ( 1500-500 cm - 1) further supported adulteration, confirming similarities between the market-processed ginger and the tested adulterants. These analyses proved effective in detecting contamination and adulteration, prompting the need for regular monitoring and quality control of spice products.