Mycological and mycotoxicological quality assessment of dried meat (Kilishi) sold in Kebbi state, Nigeria

This study assessed the mycological quality of dry meat products in three Emirates of Kebbi, Nigeria. A total of 63 dry meat samples were collected through systematic random sampling; twenty one samples from each Emirate. The standard method of isolating micro-organisms was adopted. The total viable count obtained ranged from 1.0 x 10³- 3.7 x 10³. Eight different fungi were found associated with the dried meat samples sold in the three different Emirates. The associated fungi were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia sp., Rhizopus sp., A. niger, Mucor sp., Cladosporium sp, Penicillium sp. Aspergilus flavus and A. niger had the highest rate of occurrence among the isolated fungi. Mycotoxicologically, Ochratoxin were positive for 71% samples and concentration ranged of 0.2 – 14.0 μg/kg, Fumonisin  were positive for 52.4% samples at concentration ranged of 0.2 – 31.0 μg/kg, while 19% samples had mycotoxin concentrations above the European Union maximum tolerance level of 4μg/kg. It is obvious that dried meat products sold in Kebbi are potentially contaminated; proper hygiene practices should be observed during handling, marketing and calls for concerted efforts on the part of relevant authorities to check the trend, since it is a public health challenge.