Affordable test kits that provide quick and accurate aflatoxin
level determinations in the field or in the laboratory
Every GrainPro airtight storage
solution will arrest the development
of aflatoxins, but cannot prevent
pre-storage contamination.
Aflatoxin under the microscope (left)
and affected corn (right)
Test Kit AFB1 Precise
Test Kit AFB1 Screen
GrainPro Aflatoxin Test Kits provide an affordable testing solution for
use in the field or reasonable equipped laboratories where aflatoxin
levels can be accurately determined in just a few minutes. Two tests
are available. The Precise test will yield a precise numeric
determination and is suitable for testing all grains. The Screening test is
suitable for use on many types of grains and will give a qualitative visual
result: whether the sample exceeds a 5, 10 or 20 ppb (parts per billion)
contamination level.
What are Aflatoxins? Aflatoxins are produced by the molds aspergillus
flIavus and aspergillus parasiticus, and are commonly found in
agri-cultural commodities worldwide. Aflatoxins are common in grains
such as corn and in nuts, such as peanuts. They may also be found in
spices such as red chilli peppers. Aflatoxins have a demonstrated
potent carcinogenic effect in animals and humans. There is a
scientifically proven link between liver cancer and prolonged intake of
aflatoxin contaminated food or feed. Aflatoxin affects functioning of the
liver, and suppresses proper functioning of the immune system, which has been found to be a facilitator of several diseases, including cancer
and HIV.
Aflatoxin Occurence and Levels The occurence of aflatoxins is related
to poor harvesting, drying and storage practice. It is hard to detect,
since it is invisible and has no smell or color. Agricultural commodities
suspected of having aflatoxin should be tested on its occurence.
Acceptable aflatoxin levels for contaminated grains vary from country to
country. The average acceptable level for humans is in the 5·10 ppb
range. For animals the limit is 20 ppb or higher, depending on the size
of the animal.
Testing Practices Because aflatoxin does not occur uniformly through
the entire container of grain and may be localized in a small area, the
best approach to testing is to make a composite sample consisting of
subsamples from every part of load, bin, or unit of com. The
recommended procedure is to sample periodically from a moving
stream, combining these samples to obtain a composite sample.
Aflatoxin Testing Kit Specifications
GPP AFB1-S AFB1·Screen (Methanol) "Quick Field Test Kit" - supplied in boxes of 10 kits
Test Kit Features
Test Kit Limitations
Typical Applications and Users
Simple, fast, accurate result in 5 minutes: indicates if the sample exceeds 5, 10 or 20 ppb.
Qualitative detection only. Does not yield a specific value.
Feed production, cereals, nuts
No complicated equipment is required to administer the test. The tester can learn to administer the test in 5 minutes or less.
Not useful on all types of grains and seeds. Cannot be used on oil seeds or its products
Government food safely departments use this test for immediate and on location screening.
Mycotoxins may be inspected sample by sample.
The extraction solvent is methanol which is poisonous if drunk.
Farmers who inspect the feed or grain themselves.
The test has a long shelf life and may be stored at room temperature. It does not require refrigeration.
Sensitivity is weaker than the AFB1-Precise test.
The test is easy to carry out during the field inspection.
Methanol (extraction solvent) to be purchased locally
Sample extraction time is very short.
GPP AFB1-P AFB1·Precise (Ethyl Acetate) "Precise Test Kit" - supplied in boxes of 10 kits
Test Kit Features
Test Kit Limitations
Typical Applications and Users
HPLC method, a rapid aflatoxin test from which accurate numerical results can be achieved.
Yields a specific value.
Feed production, cereals, nuts and species.
Works on cereals, nuts, oil seeds, edible oil and most contaminated food.
Sample extraction time is longer than AFB1-Screen.
Government food safety departments and grain inspection centers
Administration of the test is simple and can be learned in a half hour.
More steps required to administer than AFB1-Screen.
Edible oil producers
Semi-quantitalive results are possible by adjusting the volume of the solvent.
Single sample only. One test per sample.
The extraction solvent (ethyl acetate) is non-toxic and harmless.
Ethyl acetate (extraction solvent) to be purchased locally
The recovery in sample is high and stable.
The test has a long shelf life and may be
stored at room temperature. It does not require
refrigeration.
Aflatoxin under the microscope (left)
