Abstract
Background and Aim. Nuts are a vital component of the human diet; however, they are highly susceptible to contamination by mycotoxins. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive sanitary assessment of various domestic and imported nuts sold in Kazakhstan’s markets, specifically focusing on the quantification of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to evaluate potential carcinogenic risks to consumers. Materials and Methods. Samples of walnuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios were collected from major wholesale and retail markets in Almaty, Taraz, Shymkent, Astana, and the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions. The assessment employed a multidisciplinary approach, including organoleptic, physicochemical, and instrumental analyses (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect and quantify AFB1 contamination.Results. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all analyzed samples. The highest contamination levels were identified in samples from Shymkent, ranging from 0,039 to 0,045 mg/kg. These concentrations significantly exceed the maximum permissible limit (MPL) of 0,005 mg/kg established by the Customs Union and European Union food safety regulations. Conclusion. The findings indicate that current levels of AFB1 contamination in nuts sold in Kazakhstan pose a notable public health concern. The results highlight the urgent need for systematic monitoring of mycotoxins and the implementation of more robust national food safety control protocols to ensure consumer protection.