General and advanced methods for the detection and measurement of aflatoxins and aflatoxin metabolites: a review

Aflatoxins are fungal toxins produced by molds in contaminated foods and feeding derivatives. Analytical methods for detection and quantification of aflatoxins must be specific, sensitive, reliable, and simple to carry out. Various chromatographic, immunochemical, and spectroscopic methods are commonly used to quantify aflatoxins. Developing countries with high incidence of aflatoxin exposure have limited access to these types of analytical methods. This review systematically evaluated and underlined the advantages and limitations of all the existing analytical methods for detection of aflatoxins. In addition, more streamlined, user-friendly and in some instances, nondestructive methods are also discussed.