Aflatoxin levels in fish feeds in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Post harvest contamination can occur if drying of feed is delayed and when water is allowed to exceed critical values for mould to grow during storage. This study examined the aflatoxin levels in fish feeds surveyed in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Fifteen (15) fish farms were randomly selected for assessment of the aflatoxin levels in fish feeds in Abeokuta. After the estimation of the aflatoxin levels using Veratox quantitative aflatoxin test, the Aflatoxin concentrations in the samples ranged between 0-49 ppb with a mean value of 6.89 ppb. Results obtained from this study showed that aflatoxins were found to be associated with fish feeds in different fish farms in Abeokuta, but, a very high proportion of the feed samples were below the regulatory levels (maximum of 20 ppb) that may not be toxic to the health of the fish according to the regulatory levels for aflatoxins issued by the Food and Administration of the United States. Thus, feeds fed to the cultured fish species in farms in Abeokuta were fit for consumption, with very little or no threat of aflatoxicosis (a disease that can affect many species of fish, when feed contaminated with aflatoxin is consumed).