First report on the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in coffee marketed in eastern Algeria

The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of aflatoxins in the foodstuffs most consumed by the population in Algeria. To determine the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels of coffee samples marketed in Constantine province (Algeria), 43 samples of green and roasted coffee were purchased from local markets and coffee shops. The occurrence and concentration range of AFB1 were investigated by a highly sensitive microtitre plate Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The detection and quantification limits were 0.2ng g−1 and 0.5ng g−1, respectively. The results showed that all the coffee samples were contaminated with AFB1 in the range of 1.004 ng g−1 to 1.167 ng g−1. The highest range was observed in Beans-roasted coffee samples. The authors recommend that surveys of mycotoxins in coffee, as well as other agricultural products, should be continued. Restrictive regulations must be applied to ensure the protection of consumers. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.