ABSTRACT
Tea is among the oldest and most-known beverages around the world, and it has many flavors and types. Tea can be easily contaminated in any of its production steps, especially with mycotoxins that are produced particularly in humid and warm environments. This study aims to examine the level of ochratoxin A (OTA) and total aflatoxin (AF) contamination in black and green tea sold in Lebanon, evaluate its safety compared to international standards, and assess the effect of different variables on the levels of OTA and AFs. For this, the Lebanese market was screened and all tea brands (n = 37; 24 black and 13 green) were collected twice. The Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) method was used to determine OTA and AFs in the samples. AFs and OTA were detected in 28 (75.7%) and 31 (88.6%) samples, respectively. The average of AFs in the positive (above detection limit: 1.75 µg/kg) samples was 2.66 ± 0.15 µg/kg, while the average of OTA in the positive (above detection limit: 1.6 µg/kg) samples was 3.74 ± 0.72 µg/kg. The mean AFs in black and green tea were 2.65 ± 0.55 and 2.54 ± 0.40 µg/kg, respectively, while for OTA, the mean levels were 3.67 ± 0.96 and 3.46 ± 1.09 µg/kg in black and green tea samples, respectively. Four brands (10.8%) contained total aflatoxin levels above the EU limit (4 µg/kg). As for OTA, all samples had OTA levels below the Chinese limit (5 µg/kg). No significant association (p > 0.05) was found between OTA and tea type, level of packaging, country of origin, country of packing, and country of distribution. However, AF contamination was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unpacked tea, and in brands where the country of origin, packing, and distributor was in Asia. The results showed that the tea brands in Lebanon are relatively safe in terms of AFs and OTA.
Subject(s)
Aflatoxins , Lebanon , Product Packaging , TeaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Syrian Sumac, scientifically defined as Rhus coriaria, is a commonly used spice powder in the Middle East. Rhus coriaria has been shown to contain numerous compounds that have a substantial role in the food industry and in homeopathic therapy. From the retardation of oxidative processes to the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections and many more, these compounds are of great importance in improving human health and economy. SCOPE AND APPROACH: Several studies have been done to explore the benefits and potential uses of Rhus coriaria. In the following review, the relevant phytochemical and biological research available on Rhus coriaria have been explored. A comprehensive account of its healing activity is shown. Also presented are its phytochemical components which have medicinal, nutritional and industrial significance. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sumac has been studied for its use as an antibacterial, antioxidant, colorant, food and animal feed supplement, steel inhibitor in sea water and much more. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties make it a great and versatile tool to be used in the food industry, where it can be used as an efficient food preservative and natural, harmless food additive.