Investigating the possibility of the occurrence of mycotoxins in rice and rice flour imported to Iran

This study aimed to evaluate the mycotoxin contamination in imported rice and rice flour to Iran over three years. A total of 429 samples of rice and 53 samples of rice flour were analyzed in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to determine aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone. It was found that 35 % (148/429), of the rice samples were contaminated by aflatoxins. Ochratoxin A was found in 4.43 % (19/429) of them. In rice flour, among 53 samples, aflatoxins were detected in 42 samples (79.2 %), and ochratoxin A was detected in 18 samples (34 %). Zearalenone was not detected in any sample. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 3.5 % of rice samples and 32 % of rice flour samples, above the maximum national limit. The amount of other aflatoxins was not considerable. Ochratoxin A in two rice samples and one rice flour sample was above the maximum national limit. Comparing the results showed that rice flour may be prepared from rice with lower quality. It is used in the preparation of many kinds of sweets and baby food. Therefore, due to the possibility of the occurrence of mycotoxins in these products and the danger of these toxins to the health of the consumer, it is essential to control and monitor mycotoxins in this type of food.