INCIDENCE OF AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Abstract

The incidence of aflatoxin contamination in cassava roots at different stages of maturity and during processing and storage was determined. No aflatoxin was obtained from 7- to 14-month old cassava roots. During storage, however, trace amounts of aflatoxin B₁ were observed in stored cubes but not in stored chips and unprocessed roots. Blanching generally inhibited the growth of other fungi but not A. flavus. In the absence of competing fungi, fresh cassava roots may be a good substrate for the growth of A. flavus and A. parasiticus but not for aflatoxin production. A fluorescent compound behaving like aflatoxin B₁ was observed in samples which were not dried after 48 hours as well as in unprocessed stored cassava roots showing vascular discoloration. Confirmatory test showed that it was not aflatoxin.