Influence of gamma-radiation on mycotoxin producing moulds and mycotoxins in fruits

One hundred random fruit samples were collected and analyzed for mycotoxins and the effect of gamma-irradiation on the production of mycotoxins in fruits was studied. Analysis of fruits revealed the occurrence of penicillic acid, patulin, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), citrinin, ochratoxin A and aflatoxin B1. Of the 100 samples examined, 60 were positive for one or more mycotoxin. Irradiation of fruits at dose of 1.5 and 3.5 kGy decreased significantly the total fungal counts compared with unirradiated controls. After 28 days of storage at refrigeration temperature, the unirradiated fruits were contaminated with high concentrations of mycotoxins as compared with irradiated 3.5 kGy samples. Mycotoxins production in fruits decreased with increasing irradiation dose and were not detected at 5.0 kGy.