A total of 110 different samples belonging to 7 kinds of spices (black pepper.
cumin, fennel, ginger, rosemary, mixed spices and thyme) and 6 kinds of medicinal
plants used by both infants and adults (caraway, anise, cinnamon, Peppermint, tilio
and chamomile) were estimated for contamination by moulds and mycotoxins.
Samples were collected from different places at Cairo governorate, Egypt. Results
revealed that the highest mould content was obtained in Tilio while the lowest count
was found in Fennel. The isolated moulds contained mycotoxins produCing types like
AspergWus flavus (Aflatoxin) and Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus cchreceus
(Ochratoxin A) which were found in high percentages (71.56%, 55.05% and 19.27%)
respectively). Other pathogenic types also were isolated from the examined sample~
in a high percentage like Aspergillus niger (77.06%) which has a strong allergic effect
The examined samples revealed detection of Aflatoxin in one mixed spices sample a
a concentration of 11.7 uglkg while Ochratoxin A was not detected in any of th~
examined samples. Microwave, roasting and boiling were used 10 elevate th
microbial quality of some types of examined samples.