Collaborative Study of a Modified Method for the Determination of Aflatoxins in Copra, Copra Meal, and Coconut

Abstract A collaborative study, in which 19 laboratories participated, was conducted on a modified method for the determination of aflatoxins in 2 copra samples, one naturally contaminated, and 4 samples of naturally contaminated copra meal. The sensitivity and precision of the modified method for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins were comparable to the official methods for peanuts and peanut products. Aflatoxins B2, G1, and G2 were reported by most of the laboratories, but background interferences made quantitative measurement less reliable than for B1. The method as it presently stands is also applicable to the analysis of coconut. The method has been adopted as official first action; further study will be directed toward improved precision for analysis of aflatoxins B2, G1, and G2.