Aflatoxinas e fumonisinas em alimentos comerciais para cães e gatos

Abstract

The quality and biological safety of dog and cat feeds encompass the control of different segments of the production chain, from the procedures used in agriculture to the development of healthy plants, industrial production, transportation of the final product to storage at points of sale consumption in households. In addition to the possibility of microbial contamination, fungal growth and mycotoxins are substances that can lead to animal damage. Experimental animal tests have shown the most varied effects of these toxic substances ranging from immunosuppression, metabolic alterations to carcinogenesis (SANTIN, 2005). The aim of this work was to quantitatively investigate the occurrence of total aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and fumonisins (B1 and B2) in commercial dog and cat food from standard, premium and super premium lines of higher commercialization in Brazil . Samples were collected in commercial establishments in the southern region of Minas Gerais, in the cities of Alfenas, Lavras, TrêsCorações and Varginha, with 5 standard food samples for dogs, 10 premium cat food samples, 10 premium dog food samples, 5 samples of super premium food for cats and 5 samples of super premium dog foods totaling 35 samples. The determination of the presence and quantification of aflatoxins and fumonisins were carried out using the method of affinity chromatography with reading in digital fluorimeter, in the laboratory of Mycology and Mycotoxins of the Department of Food Science of the Federal University of Lavras - MG and laboratory of Mycotoxins of Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, in Setelagoas - MG. Of the 35 samples analyzed in duplicate for the presence and quantification of total aflatoxins, all were present at acceptable levels according to the current legislation, with the lowest average value being 1.089 ppb / kg for commercial premium dog food and higher value average of 4,266 ppb / kg for commercial super premium cat food. For fumonisin presence and quantification analyzes, of the 35 samples, all were present, with 68.57% of the samples having a concentration above 4,000 ppb / kg, an index recommended by the current legislation. There was a lower mean value of 4,790 ppb / kg for commercial premium dog food and a higher average value of 7,260 ppb / kg for super premium line food for cats. The results indicate possible failure in the certification process of raw materials purchased by the pet food industry.