A total of 455 food samples representing 22 different food types were collected from several localities at Alexandria province in Egypt. Aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 were detected in 5 out of 455(1.1%) of these food samples. From the same samples 206 fungal isolates were obtained. Thirty two of these isolates(15.5%) were found to be aflatoxin producers. Aspergillus flavus was thedominast isolate, while Aspergillus parasaticus was also isolated from a few other food samples. Among locally consumed foodstuffs. Peanut(7.5%) and Milk powder(6.6%) were found to be a suitable substrates for aflatoxin production. The hygienic and public health significance of the isolated aflatoxigenic strains were discussed. |