Fungal contamination of produced wheat flour in West Azerbaijan, northwest of Iran

ObjectiveTo investigate fungal contamination of produced wheat flours in West Azarbaijan Province, located in the North West of Iran as wheat flour is one of the most important food and nutrient in the Iranians diet.MethodsThis descriptive study was performed during March 2011 to April 2013 in flour mills of West Azerbaijan province. A total of 17 samples of produced wheat flour in Azerbaijan Province of Iran were tested for mold contamination based on Iran National Standard Method No. 2393.ResultsPresence of molds in all collected 151 samples from flour factories of Azerbaijan Province were at the limit based on Iranian national standard.ConclusionsThe obtained results showed that the process of flour production was hygienic quietly. Bread is staple ingredient of Iranian diet, and strict control on its processing of wheat flour, maintenance and distribution results nonpolluting or reduction of fungal contamination.