Fungal diversity and occurrence of Aflatoxin B1, Citrinine, and Ochratoxin A in rice of Cameroon

Rice is an important cereal for Cameroon where 95% of the population consumes it frequently. To ensuring a healthy food supply to consumers, the objective of this study was to determine the fungal profile and quantify mycotoxins in 12 rice samples produced in Cameroon. The relative density of the different fungal species identified in all of the rice samples revealed the dominance of three fungal genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium) and 15 fungal species with the predominance of the species Mucor hiemalis (14.56%), followed by Penicillium expansum (13.59%) and Aspergillus versicolor (12.62%). At least one mycotoxin was detected in 83.33% of the samples analyzed, while 41.67% showed co-contamination with at least two mycotoxins. The prevalence of OTA, AFB1, and CIT was 41.67%, 58.33%, and 41.67%, respectively, with concentrations not exceeding those prescribed by European Commission. This study provides useful information for the management of mycotoxinogenic molds in Cameroonian rice. Practical applications The sanitary quality of the rice must be preserved during storage, because several factors (relative humidity, temperature, etc.) can promote the appearance of mycotoxins in the rice and a loss of its organoleptic properties. The practical application of this study is to provide information on the health or toxicological risks presented by certain rice marketed and consumed in Cameroon, particularly with regard to fungal contamination rates, the fungal flora present, and mycotoxin levels.