FUNGAL PROFILING AND AFLATOXIN G1 LEVEL OF RICE FROM DERIVED SAVANNAH (TARABA STATE)

ABSTRACT Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food in Nigeria, but it is vulnerable to contamination by fungi and mycotoxins, particularly in the Derived Savannah region. This study focuses on profiling fungal species and quantifying aflatoxin G1 levels in rice samples collected from Gashaka, Taraba State. Conventional microbiological techniques was used to isolate and identify fungi species from different rice storage and market locations. Aflatoxin levels were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium species were the most prevalent fungi in the rice samples. Fungal contamination was more pronounced in the market samples, with Market II exhibiting the highest fungal load of 3.24× 105 CFU/g, indicating poor storage conditions. Aflatoxin G1 contamination was also detected, with concentrations ranging from 0.2 mg/kg to 15.52 mg/kg. Alarmingly, the aflatoxin concentration in Market II exceeded international safety limits, posing a significant health risk to consumers. The study highlights the need for improved storage practices to mitigate fungal contamination and aflatoxin production. Factors contributing to the high contamination levels include inadequate post-harvest handling, high humidity, and poor storage facilities. The findings underscore the importance of enforcing food safety regulations and raising awareness among local farmers and traders about the dangers of fungal contamination and aflatoxin exposure. Effective interventions, such as better storage conditions and the use of biological control agents, can reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination in rice. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring food safety, improving public health, and supporting agricultural productivity in the Derived Savannah.