Aflatoxin B2 Reference Materials
Aflatoxin B2 — Precision Reference Materials for Confident Compliance
Ensure reliable, regulation-ready results with HPC Standards’ Aflatoxin B2 reference materials. Trusted by food and environmental laboratories, our traceable neat and ready-to-use solutions support accurate calibration, method validation, and routine QC across HPLC-FLD, LC-MS/MS, and UHPLC workflows. Certificates detail purity, concentration, uncertainty, and traceability to meet international quality requirements. Choose single-analyte or multi-aflatoxin mixes, with optional isotope-labelled standards, to streamline proficiency testing and daily monitoring in high‑risk matrices such as nuts, cereals, spices, dried fruits, and feed. Partner with HPC Standards for consistent performance, expert support, and proven compliance.
Product | Catalog No./ CAS No. | Quantity | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ISO 17034 Certified Reference Material Aflatoxin B2 solution |  | 685169 | 1X1ML | Please log in. |
High-quality reference materials for Aflatoxin B2 to support precise residue analysis, regulatory compliance, and robust quality control in food and environmental laboratories.
Overview
Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin of the aflatoxin group produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. It is a difuranocoumarin (molecular formula C17H14O6; CAS 7220-81-7) commonly co-occurring with AFB1, AFG1, and AFG2 in susceptible commodities such as maize, peanuts, tree nuts, dried fruits, and spices. AFB2 is less potent than AFB1 but contributes to total aflatoxin burden, which is critical for risk assessment and compliance.
AFB2 exhibits strong blue fluorescence under long-wave UV (ca. 365 nm), is heat-stable under typical food processing conditions, and is soluble in organic solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile, chloroform) while showing low water solubility. Reliable quantification requires validated methods and traceable reference materials.
Uses
- Calibration and system suitability in HPLC-FLD, LC-MS/MS, and UHPLC methods for aflatoxin screening and confirmation.
- Preparation of calibration curves, matrix-matched standards, and quality control (QC) samples.
- Method development and validation (selectivity, linearity, LOD/LOQ, recovery, precision, measurement uncertainty).
- Proficiency testing, internal audits, and routine monitoring in food safety and environmental testing laboratories.
Regulatory Landscape
Regulators globally set maximum levels (MLs) or action limits for aflatoxins in foods and feed to protect public health. Frameworks typically regulate total aflatoxins (sum of B1, B2, G1, G2) and specifically AFB1 in high-risk matrices. Relevant frameworks include EU maximum levels (e.g., for tree nuts, groundnuts, cereals, and spices), Codex Alimentarius, and national regulations (e.g., FDA action levels for total aflatoxins). While AFB2 is not always limited individually, it contributes to total aflatoxins and must be included in compliance assessments.
Accurate quantification supported by traceable reference materials is essential for demonstrating conformity with legal thresholds and for export documentation.
Monitoring and Sampling
- Implement risk-based monitoring plans focusing on high-risk commodities, origins, and storage conditions.
- Apply statistically sound sampling protocols to address heterogenous distribution of aflatoxins (incremental sampling, composite samples).
- Maintain cold, dark, and dry conditions during sample transport; use rapid drying/milling to prevent post-sampling fungal growth.
- Utilize screening methods (rapid tests, immunoassays) followed by confirmatory analysis (HPLC-FLD or LC-MS/MS).
Analytical Methods
- HPLC-FLD with post-column derivatization (e.g., electrochemical bromination/Kobra cell) or pre-column derivatization for enhanced sensitivity to AFB2.
- LC-MS/MS (MRM) for selective, multi-mycotoxin determination with matrix-matched calibration and optional isotope-dilution using stable-isotope-labelled internal standards.
- Cleanup: immunoaffinity columns (IAC) for aflatoxins, SPE protocols, or dilute-and-shoot for suitable matrices with LC-MS/MS.
- Performance: validate for recovery, repeatability, intermediate precision, matrix effects, and measurement uncertainty; verify LOD/LOQ meet regulatory needs.
Health Impact
Aflatoxin B2 is a genotoxic mycotoxin; although less potent than AFB1, it contributes to carcinogenic risk when present with other aflatoxins. Chronic dietary exposure is associated with hepatotoxicity and increased liver cancer risk, particularly where hepatitis co-infections elevate susceptibility. AFB2 can be metabolized to hydroxylated derivatives (e.g., aflatoxin M2) and exhibits oxidative stress and DNA interaction mechanisms analogous to other aflatoxins.
Human Toxicity
- Acute exposure: gastrointestinal distress, hepatic injury at high doses (rare in regulated supply chains).
- Chronic exposure: liver damage, immunomodulatory effects; risk is assessed cumulatively with other aflatoxins.
- Sensitive groups: infants and children, individuals with hepatic disease, and populations with co-exposures.
Environmental Impact
AFB2 occurrence is linked to fungal growth in crops under warm, humid conditions and suboptimal storage. Climate variability, drought stress, and insect damage increase contamination risk. Post-harvest controls (temperature, humidity, aeration) are critical to mitigate further toxin formation in storage and transport.
Effects on Wildlife and Livestock
Exposure through contaminated feed can cause reduced growth, hepatotoxicity, immunosuppression, and decreased productivity, particularly in young animals and poultry. Monitoring of feed ingredients and finished feed is essential to protect animal health and downstream food safety.
Safety Measures
- Procurement: source from audited suppliers; implement supplier approval and COA verification.
- Storage: maintain commodity moisture below critical water activity; ensure cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage; use first-in/first-out inventory practices.
- Laboratory handling: use PPE, work in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust/aerosol generation, and follow chemical hygiene procedures when handling contaminated samples and reference materials.
- Waste: dispose of extracts and residues as hazardous chemical waste according to local regulations.
Quality Assurance
- Use traceable reference materials for calibration and QC across batches and instruments.
- Employ matrix-matched calibration to compensate for matrix effects; confirm results with spiked recovery samples.
- Participate in proficiency testing; trend QC charts to detect drift; schedule routine maintenance and requalification of instruments.
Applications and Industries
- Food and feed testing laboratories (nuts, cereals, spices, dried fruits, oilseeds, baby food).
- Import/export control authorities and inspection services.
- Agricultural producers, storage and logistics providers implementing HACCP and GMP programs.
- Research institutions developing improved detection and mitigation strategies.
Storage and Stability of Reference Materials
- Store AFB2 reference materials refrigerated or frozen (commonly 2–8°C or ≤−20°C as specified), protected from light in amber vials.
- Allow solutions to equilibrate to room temperature before opening; minimize freeze-thaw cycles.
- Observe expiry dates and uncertainty statements; record lot numbers and preparation details in the analytical logbook.
Method Validation Guidance
- Calibrate across the expected range with at least 5 levels; verify linearity (r2 and residuals).
- Establish LOD/LOQ in representative matrices; determine recovery via spiking at low, mid, and high levels.
- Assess matrix effects (post-extraction addition); use stable-isotope-labelled internal standards where available.
- Document measurement uncertainty and ensure fitness-for-purpose relative to applicable limits.
Regulatory Compliance Support
Our Aflatoxin B2 reference materials support laboratories in demonstrating compliance with EU, Codex, and national regulations for total aflatoxins and AFB1-driven limits. Certificates include purity, concentration (for solutions), uncertainty, and traceability information aligned with international quality expectations.
Product Formats
- Neat Aflatoxin B2 reference materials for flexible solution preparation.
- Ready-to-use certified solutions at common concentrations for routine calibration and QC.
- Multi-analyte aflatoxin mixes for streamlined multi-toxin workflows.
- Optional stable-isotope-labelled internal standards to enhance accuracy in LC-MS/MS quantification.
Compatibility
Validated for use with HPLC-FLD (post- or pre-column derivatization), LC-MS/MS, UHPLC, and IAC/SPE cleanup workflows. Suitable for a wide range of matrices including nuts, cereals, spices, dried fruits, cocoa, coffee, and feed.
Documentation and Support
Each lot is accompanied by a detailed certificate with handling, storage, and stability instructions. Technical support is available for method setup, calibration design, and troubleshooting to help ensure precise, reproducible results.
Why HPC Standards
HPC Standards GmbH manufactures and distributes high-quality reference materials for pesticides, veterinary products, mycotoxins, their metabolites, and stable isotope‑labelled derivatives. Our products are tested according to international quality requirements and meet the highest industrial standards, making us a competent partner for food and environmental analysis.