Thực trạng nhiễm aflatoxin B1 trong gạo và sản phẩm từ gạo ở Cần Thơ năm 2024

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands as a highly prevalent and potent mycotoxin, naturally produced by fungi like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, frequently contaminating various food items, particularly in tropical and humid regions like Can Tho, Vietnam. Recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, AFB1 poses significant public health concerns, primarily due to its hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects, leading to conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma and impaired child development upon chronic exposure. Its heat-stable nature further complicates mitigation efforts, making comprehensive analysis critical. This study aims to assess the current status of AFB1 contamination in rice and rice products obtained from traditional markets in Can Tho city in December 2024, comparing the detected levels against established national standards to highlight its prevalence and potential risks.

Food safety authorities, public health professionals, researchers in toxicology and food science, and policymakers involved in agricultural and food product quality control, especially those focusing on Southeast Asian markets.

This academic study rigorously assessed the prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in various rice and rice product samples collected from traditional markets in Can Tho city in December 2024. Recognizing AFB1 as a potent mycotoxin and Group 1 carcinogen, the research aimed to quantify contamination levels and compare them against national food safety standards (QCVN No.8-1:2011/BYT). A total of 130 samples, comprising processed rice, processed rice products, and rice requiring pre-processing, underwent meticulous analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection. The methodology involved robust sample extraction with methanol and cleanup via immunoaffinity columns, ensuring high recovery rates (91.0-97.1%) that met AOAC guidelines, thus confirming the reliability of the quantification. The findings revealed an average AFB1 concentration of 1.28 µg/kg for processed rice, 1.27 µg/kg for processed rice products, and a notably higher 4.27 µg/kg for rice requiring pre-processing. Critically, 78.5% of all samples exhibited some level of mycotoxin contamination, with 15.4% of these samples exceeding the permissible maximum limit. These results underscore a significant public health concern, particularly in a tropical climate conducive to fungal growth. The study's implications are far-reaching, emphasizing the necessity for continuous surveillance, improved storage and processing practices, and heightened consumer awareness regarding food safety. Prolonged exposure to even low levels of AFB1 can lead to serious health issues, including liver cancer, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and regular toxicological assessments to safeguard public health in Vietnam.