Natural occurrence of fungi and aflatoxins of cinnamon in the Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This investigation was designed to throw light on the microbial status of cinnamon (Cinamomum zeylanicum blume). A total of 1126 fungal isolated, representing 8 species of 2 genera, Aspergiluus and Penicillium, were the most common genera. They were recovered and identified from the fifty samples that were dried and ground. Fungi were found in all of the collected samples, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium restrectum and Penicillium sp. Direct determination of mycotoxins in samples revealed aflatoxin B1, B2 and G1,. They were detected in low concentration which did not exceed 4.67 µg/ kg from 62% of samples. Nevertheless, 17 samples were found to be free of aflatoxins (B1, B2 and G1). Atmospheric relative humidity and storage methods were increased in the infected samples.   Key words: Aflatoxins, cinnamon, Aspergilus niger, fungi.