mycological investigations in beef and chicken luncheon

A total of 40 samples of beef and chicken luncheon (20 samples for each) were collected from different markets in Giza city. Samples were subjected to Mycological investigations. Beef luncheon were highly contaminated than chicken luncheon (3.1 x 103 /g ±0.3x 10³) and (4.0 x 102 /g ±0.2x 10² ) respectively . Seven mould genera were isolated from examined samples. The majority of which were Aspergillus (19.7% and 18.1%) and Penicillium (18.9% and 15.7 %), while, Mucor (7.1% and 4.7%), Cladosporium (4.7% and 3.9%) and other genera were also isolated from the same samples but in low percentages from beef and chicken luncheon respectively. The predominant identified Aspergillus species were; A. niger (18.7% and 14.5%), A. flavus (18.7% and 12.5%) and A. ochraceous (6.3% and 6.3%) in the two products respectively. The main identified Penicillium species were; P. citrinium (20.6% and 13.6%), P. expansum (11.4% and 13.6%) and P. verrucosum (6.8% and 6.8%) from the same products respectively. Examination for mycotoxin production revealed the detection of ochratoxin A at a higher level (mean 21.0 and 27.0 ng /kg) from 2 (10%) samples of beef luncheon and one (5%) sample of chicken luncheon, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 (mean 15.3 and 9.8 ng / kg) was detected in 4 (20%) samples of beef luncheon and 3 (15%) samples of chicken luncheon, respectively. Other mycotoxins (AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and T-2) were detected but in minor levels. Public health significance of the identified mould species and the detected mycotoxins were discussed.