Effect of gamma radiation on reduction of mycotoxins in black pepper

Gamma ray was applied to reduce mycotoxins, i.e. ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins B-1, B-2, G(1) and G(2) (AFB(1), AFB(2), AFG(1) and AFG(2)) in black pepper. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effect of dose of gamma ray ranging from 0 to 60 kGy and mycotoxin concentration ranging from 10 to 100 ng g(-1) on the mycotoxin reduction. The maximum reduction was found at 60 kGy which was 52%, 43%, 24%, 40% and 36% for OTA, AFB(1), AFB(2), AFC(1) and AFG(2), respectively. Results showed the gamma rays even at 60 kGy were not effective in completely destroying of ochratoxin and aflatoxins. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.