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Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels were evaluated in betel nuts (Areca catechu L.) being imported to Pakistan during 2010–2011. In total, 278 betel nut samples (India = 21, Indonesia = 51, Sri-Lanka = 34 and Thailand = 172) were received from the Department of Customs and were analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). All Indian origin betel nuts showed AFB1 contamination ranging from 11.7–262.0 µg kg−1 with a mean of 92.5 µg kg−1. Among Indonesian and Sri Lankan shipments, 80.4% and 73.5% betel nuts were contaminated with AFB1 ranging between 3.3–39.2 and 6.5–103.4 µg kg−1 with a mean of 11.6 and 35.0 µg kg−1, respectively. However, only 30.2% of Thailand origin samples showed AFB1 contamination ranging 3.3–77.0 µg kg−1 with a mean of 6.6 µg kg−1. The widespread occurrence of AFB1 increases the hazard associated with betel nuts. Thus, strict control is a pre-requisite for the production and import/export of psychoactive substances as betel nuts.