Determination of Aflatoxins in Peanut Products in the Northeast Region of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were collected from June 2006 to May 2007. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins (AF) B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed 44.2% samples positive for AF at levels of 0.5 to 103.8 μg·kg -1 . Nine of the positive samples (3.7% of the analysed samples) had total aflatoxin concentrations (B 1 +B 2 +G 1 +G 2 ) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 μg·kg -1 ).Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDI M ) of aflatoxins from peanut products in the Northeast region of São Paulo was estimated to be 0.23 ng kg b.w. day -1 . Although this PDI M value was relatively low, results indicate that aflatoxin contamination of peanut products may be a public health concern in Brazil, when considering the potential exposure of highly susceptible consumers. For example, it should be emphasized that children are potentially exposed to aflatoxins, since they consume large quantities of peanut candies, and these products had the highest number of samples positive for AFB 1 .

Natural occurrence of mycotoxins in peanut cake from Nigeria

“…Of the mycotoxins reported to contaminate peanut and peanut cake, aflatoxins have been studied by analytical methods dedicated to this class of compound (Awuah & Kpodo, 1996;Banu & Muthumary, 2008;Mutegi, Ngugi, Hendriks, & Jones, 2009;Oliveira, Goncalves, Rosim, & Fernandes, 2009;Younis & Malik, 2003). However, other toxins may be present in these commodities.…”

Detoxification and safety evaluation of aflatoxin B1in peanut oil using alkali refining

“…Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) is a secondary metabolite produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which is considered an unavoidable, naturally occurring contaminant of peanut and peanut oil. 1,2 Epidemiological studies and animal experiments showed that AFB 1 has strong genotoxic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic effects on humans and animals. 3 -5 Therefore many countries have legislated on the maximum levels of AFB 1 in foods to reduce its harm to humans.…”

Aspergillus and Penicillium toxins in chestnuts and derived products produced in Italy

“…This unusual AF occurrence ratio is not new. Matumba et al (2014) found that the concentration of AFG 1 was higher than that of AFB 1 in 47% of maize and groundnut samples, especially when high AF levels occurred; Oliveira, Goncalves, Rosim, and Fernandes (2009) reported similar concentrations of AFG 1 and AFB 1 in nuts of Brazilian origin. Matumba et al Table 2 Frequency of occurrence and concentration (mg kg À1 ) of aflatoxins (AFB 1 , AFB 2 , AFG 1 , AFG 2 ), ochratoxin (OTA), ciclopiazonic acid (CPA) and sterigmatocystin (STC) in fresh chestnut, dried chestnut and chestnut flour samples collected from retail outlets in Italy.…”