Aflatoxin contamination in dried red cherry pepper from Riyadh markets, Saudi Arabia, using a validated LC–MS/MS method

Abstract A liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the sensitive and selective determination of regulated aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in dried red cherry pepper samples. Aflatoxins (AFs) were extracted using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method, followed by analysis with the Bruker EVOQ LC-TQ Elite triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Tested samples achieved satisfactory recoveries, ranging from 89% to 113%, with intra- and inter-day precision values between 1.01% and 8.61%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found between 0.045 and 0.206 μg/kg and 0.123 and 0.425 μg/kg, respectively. Calibration curves showed excellent linearity with R2 values between 0.998 and 0.999. The validated method was successfully applied to the screening of 66 dried red cherry pepper samples. The results revealed that 17.9% of the samples exceeded the regulatory limits, with AFB1 identified as the major contaminant. Notably, some samples recorded very high AFB1 concentrations exceeding 200 μg/kg, while no concerning levels were detected for AFB2, AFG1, or AFG2. These findings emphasise the need for continuous monitoring and stricter quality control measures in the supply chain.