September 18, 2023 | Toxins |
Hailing from Universidad EAN, Colombia, and Hitit University, Turkey, this research investigates the susceptibility of dried fruits—a widely consumed and nutritious global snack—to contamination by various toxigenic fungi. Given the escalating risk in developed nations due to climate change, the study intricately examines contributing factors like fruit types, geographic locations, climate conditions, and storage practices influencing mycotoxin production. The focal mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA), pose substantial threats to both human health and economic stability. The study zeroes in on specific dried fruits—vine fruits, figs, dates, apricots, prunes, and mulberries—aiming to compile a comprehensive global perspective. By consolidating data from diverse stages of the supply chain, encompassing pre-harvest, drying, storage, and trading, this review sheds light on contamination risks and underscores the impact of storage conditions and climate change on mycotoxin prevalence in dried fruits. For researchers and stakeholders vested in ensuring food safety and quality in the dried fruit sector, this review serves as a valuable resource.