Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by fungi of the Aspergillus family, which include A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius etc. There are four major types: B1, B2, G1, G2. B1 is considered the most potent and toxic of the aflatoxins and is classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Aflatoxins M1 and M2 are metabolites of B1 and B2, respectively. These aflatoxins mainly produce with high temperature (30-38°C) and high humidity (80% or above). Exposure to these aflatoxins can cause severe health consequences, including acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis) and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Some traditional Chinese medicinal may be contaminated with Aspergillus flavus mold during the cultivation, harvesting, storage, or processing stages, resulting in trace amounts of aflatoxin present in certain traditional Chinese herbal formulas and decoctions. While minor exposure does not immediately cause apparent health effects, prolonged consumption of Chinese medicine products containing aflatoxin can potentially cause serious liver damage and increase the risk of cancer. To protect consumer health and safety, the Hong Kong government has established strict regulations on the permissible levels of aflatoxin content in Chinese medicinal materials:
According to Hong Kong regulations, the content of aflatoxins in Chinese medicine must not exceed 10 mg/kg. The Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office (CMRO) of the Department of Health conducts regular inspections of Chinese medicine to ensure they comply with the relevant standards. If excessive aflatoxin levels are detected, the affected products will be prohibited from sale.
To avoid buying products that may contain excessive amounts of aflatoxin, consumers should also pay attention to check the product's certificate of compliance when purchasing Chinese medicinal materials.
"Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards"
The maximum permitted limits of aflatoxins in CMM samples
Enviro Labs Ltd. (ELL) is registered as a HOKLAS accredited laboratory (HOKLAS 128), serves providers with aflatoxins detection in Chinese medicine that are included in the guidelines provided by the CMRO. To ensure the security of Chinese medicine, please contact us for testing arrangement.
References
1. "Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards": Appendix VII Determination of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins)