Total Aflatoxin Levels in Coconut Oil Produced in Sri Lanka and Compliance to Specifications

Purpose: Coconut oil is the preferred edible oil in Sri Lanka. Even though previous studies have reported high aflatoxin contamination in coconut oil produced in Sri Lanka, recent studies assessing the current situation is limited. Hence, this study aims to determine the total aflatoxin levels in different types of coconut oil produced in Sri Lanka and their compliance with national and international standards.
Research method: Bulk-sold copra coconut oil, branded copra coconut oil, branded white coconut oil and branded virgin coconut oil collected from the retail market and coconut oil mills were assessed for total aflatoxin using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Total aflatoxin levels were compared with local and international specifications.
Findings and Values:  Aflatoxin was detected in 70.5% of the analyzed samples, with variation among different types of coconut oil. Aflatoxin was not detected in any of the virgin coconut oil samples. Bulk-sold copra coconut oil exhibited the highest aflatoxin contamination with all samples being positive for aflatoxin and only 12%, 12%, 12% and 8% of the samples complying with the local regulation (30 µg/kg), SLS specification (10 µg/kg), limits by the Food and Drug Administration (20 μg/kg) and European Union (4 µg/kg) respectively. Branded copra and white coconut oils showed higher compliance with these specifications. These results highlight the relatively higher risk in locally sold coconut oil and reiterate the importance of strict enforcement of regulations to ensure consumer safety.