标题：Levels of aflatoxins, heavy and trace metal contaminants in two non-alcoholic beverages, Asaana and Nmedaa, and two alcoholic beverages, Burukutu and Pito produced by the informal sector in Ghana
摘要：Highlights•Lower levels of aflatoxin inPito, Asaana, NmedaaandBurukutubeverages.•Trace and heavy metals were detected in Ghanaian local beverages.•Higher levels of estimated daily intake of Pb and Zn inAsaana, PitoandNmedaabeverages.•Geographical zone conditions correlated to aflatoxin levels inAsaana, Pito, NmedaaandBurukutubeverages.AbstractThe production and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from cereals, produced by the informal sector is on the increase in Ghana, but not without concerns because of non-adherence to strict good hygienic and manufacturing practices. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of aflatoxins, heavy and trace metals contaminants in two alcoholic, Burukutu andPitoand two non-alcoholic,AsaanaandNmedaa, beverages produced by the informal sector at the Coastal, Middle and Northern geographical zones in Ghana. Aflatoxins were determined by High Performance Chromatography and metals by Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometer and flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Processing methods by brewers were assessed to identify possible sources of contaminants. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard indices (HI) associated with the consumption of these beverages by 3,900 respondents were also determined. Beverages from the Coastal zones had the highest aflatoxin levels ranging from 0.023 inAsaanato 5.377 g/kg inNmedaa; the latter exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 4.0 µg/kg. Average annual consumption per respondent averaged between 22 and 146 L. HI of total aflatoxins in all beverages was less than 1. The EDI for lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) inAsaana, NmedaaandPitowere higher than those set by WHO at 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg/ bw for Pb and Zn, respectively. Nickel (Ni) inAsaanaandPito, Zn in all samples exceptBurukutu, from the Middle (represented by Kumasi, Latitude 6.67°N longitude, 1.62oW) and Coastal (Accra) zones and Pb in all samples exceptBurukutuhad HI>1. Consumption of all four local beverages may not pose aflatoxin health risks to consumers in Ghana. However, the levels of Ni, Zn and Pb inAsaanaandNmedaaare worrying.
关键词：KeywordsCerealsAlcoholic and non-alcoholic beveragesAflatoxinsHeavy metalsHazard exposure indices
