A liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and ochratoxin A in smoked tobacco products was developed in response to the growing international concern around mycotoxin contamination in crop-derived goods. This method was subsequently evaluated on products originating from the illicit tobacco trade to determine whether these products provide an additional risk to the consumer compared to licit products.
Excellent sensitivity was demonstrated for this method, with limits of detection ranging from 0.03 to 0.07 parts per billion. Linearity of the method was established throughout a large concentration range, confirming the suitability of the method for quantitative analysis of tobacco samples.
Mycotoxin contamination was found to be present in the majority of tobacco samples at a level consistent with or greater than legislative limits imposed on various foodstuffs and commodities, highlighting a considerable hazard to health associated with a product that is becoming more prevalent in UK markets. Visual observations increased these concerns, with the quality of these illicit products being brought into disrepute with the discovery of an unidentified cluster of fibres resembling animal fur inside a cigarette.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be a member of the University of Lincoln to be able to view this dissertation. Please log in here.