Aflatoxins contamination in chilli samples from Pakistan

The aim of this study was to prioritise disease and pest constraints in chilli by highlighting aflatoxin concentrations to assist local farmers in control. All samples contained aflatoxin B1 and high levels were obtained from all ground samples. A direct relationship was observed between aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 concentrations. There was no relation between aflatoxin and Aspergillus flavus detection. Chilli production in Pakistan may be heavily constrained by aflatoxin contamination. Simply removing A. flavus may be insufficient for control. Aflatoxins from chilli may be a threat to the health of populations and a constraint on development in Pakistan.