4. Conclusions
The analytical method based on HPLC-FLD after post-column derivatisation has been satisfactory validated to detect and accurately quantify AFs in hazelnuts and dried figs. AFs were absent in in-shell hazelnuts, while the incidences of AFs in raw and roasted hazelnut kernels were 12 and 8.3%, respectively. AFs were present in 12.3% of dried fig samples analysed. Except for one dried fig sample, AFB1 was the major contributor to total AFs in both hazelnut and dried fig samples analysed. The exposure to AFs from hazelnuts is higher than dried fig for Turkish population. Due to the fact that environmental conditions influence the occurrence of AFs in agricultural commodities, the food products should be routinely controlled in order to reduce the exposure of consumers. It should be also noted that preventive measures both in pre-harvest and post-harvest stages are essential to make sure that hazelnuts and dried fig remain either free of or contaminated with the least AFs as possible.