Assessment of Fungal Contamination and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) Levels in Some Staple Food Products Marketed in Benghazi, Libya

Fungal contamination and associated mycotoxin exposure remain important food-safety concerns worldwide. This study aimed to characterize fungal contamination and determine aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) levels in selected staple food products collected from local markets in Benghazi, Libya. A total of 24 food samples including rice, flour, couscous, and pasta were investigated for moisture content and fungal contamination using conventional culture-based methods. Based on moisture-content screening, 10 representative samples were further analyzed for AFB₁ using competitive ELISA methodology. Fungal isolates identified morphologically included Rhodotorula glutinis, Cryptococcus laurentii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Candida ciferrii, with flour samples showing the highest fungal occurrence. The measured AFB₁ concentrations in the analyzed samples remained below the internationally permissible limit of 2 ppb.

However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because only a subset of samples was subjected to toxin analysis, while water activity (aw) measurements and advanced ELISA quality-control)QC(validation parameters were not available. The study highlights the need for continuous monitoring, improved storage practices, and expanded mycotoxin surveillance programs in Libya.