Effect of γ-radiation on the production of aflatoxin B1 by Aspergillus parasiticus in raisins (Vitis vinifera L.)

• Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an extremely toxic and carcinogenic metabolite.
• AFB1 is produced in raisins.
• Irradiation at the dose of 10 kGy affects AFB1 production.
• 10 kGy reduced (~65%) AFB1 production by A.parasiticus in raisins.
• 10 kGy reduced (~29%) AFB1 spiked directly in raisins.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) mostly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, is an extremely toxic and carcinogenic metabolite. The effect of gamma irradiation at dose of 10 kGy on the production of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inoculated by Aspergillus parasiticus in raisins (Vitis vinifera L.) and on AFB1 in contaminated samples, was investigated. Values of the amount of aflatoxin B1 produced on the 12th day of incubation, after irradiation, showed that gamma radiation exposure at 10 kGy decreased AFB1 production at 65% compared with the non-irradiated sample, on the same day. The application of 10 kGy gamma radiation directly on 100 ng of AFB1 which were spiked in raisins resulted in ~29% reduction of AFB1. According to the risk assessment analysis the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (PMTDI) of 1.0 ng AFB1 kg−1bw, indicates that consumers are less exposed to AFB1 from the irradiated raisins.