Analytical methods for the determination of aflatoxins in various food matrices at concentrations regarding the limits set in european regulations: development, characteristics, limits.

Methods for the determination of aflatoxins in paprika, peanut butter, pistachio paste, fig paste and baby food were developed. The methods employ an immunoaffinity cleanup step and reversed-phase liquid chromatography. All steps of the analysis were tested for their suitability for all matrices with focus on method robustness, simplicity, toxicology, environment, and user friendliness. Extraction procedures, chromatographic separation and post column derivatisation techniques were elaborated for this purpose. The methods were statistically validated in collaborative trials at currently established legal limits for aflatoxins and are in the process for adoption as official methods by CEN and AOAC.