Dictary exposure and risk assessment of mycotoxins in thyme and thyme-based products marketed in Lebanon

Abstract

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb widely used worldwide. However, it is produced in areas of high humidity and temperature which is favorable conditions for mold growth and mycotoxins production which pose public health risk. In Lebanon, no studies have been done to investigate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in thyme and thyme-based products. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of AFB1 and OTA in those products, related dietary exposure and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples of thyme and thyme-based products were collected and 32 composite samples were analyzed. Results showed that AFB1 and OTA were, respectively, found in 84% (27/32) and 38% (12/32) of the samples. AFB1 exceeded the limits in 41% (13/32) and 25% (8/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. OTA was unacceptable in only 6% (2/32) and 3% (1/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. AFB1 was shown to be associated with 0.41 and 0.35 additional cancer cases per 100,000 persons per year for regular consumption of thyme and thyme-based products, respectively. While for high consumption an increase of 0.911 and 0.639 cancer cases per 100,000 person per year was noted for thyme and thyme-based products, respectively. Based on the calculated MOE, the dietary exposure to AFB1 through the consumption of thyme and thyme-based products in Lebanon poses a potential risk to consumer health. OTA daily exposure from thyme-based products was shown to be 1.345 ng/kg bw/day. MOE for OTA was >10,000 for non-neoplastic effects and >200 for neoplastic effects, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers in both cases. This study’s findings showed that the Lebanese population are exposed to AFB1 and OTA through thyme and thyme products and call for routine monitoring to ensure the safety of thyme and thyme-based products in the Lebanese market.