Effect of Blanching on Aflatoxin Contamination and Cross-Contamination of Almonds

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 2187-2192
Author(s):  
NOREEN E. MAHONEY ◽  
LUISA W. CHENG ◽  
JEFFREY D. PALUMBO
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Separate Study ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Aflatoxin Content

ABSTRACT Blanching of almonds was examined for reducing the aflatoxin content of contaminated nuts. Almonds with intact pellicles were spiked with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and blanched at 85°C. Following blanching, almond kernels and pellicles contained 20 and 19% of the spiked AFB1, respectively. The blanching water contained an additional 41% of the spiked AFB1. In a separate study, postblanching water was spiked with AFB1 and used for subsequent blanching of uncontaminated almonds. The resulting blanched kernels acquired 3.3% of the AFB1 from the spiked water, demonstrating a low level of cross-contamination from reused contaminated blanching water. The effect of the blanching temperature on partitioning of AFB1 from almonds to blanching water was significant at a 20-ppb spiking level, but not at 100 ppb. AFB1 levels that were unaccounted for in the mass balance of blanching components were presumed to be lost due to binding to water-solubilized almond components and were independent of pH and blanching time. Blanching reduced total aflatoxins in naturally contaminated almonds by 13 to 76%, depending on almond quality, as well as blanching time and temperature. These results indicate that the association between almond components and aflatoxin generated through mold contamination is more complex than in spiking experiments. HIGHLIGHTS

Collaborative Study of AOAC Methods I and III for the Determination of Aflatoxins in Peanut Butter

1974 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 871-874
Author(s):  
Michael E Stack
Keyword(s):  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Aflatoxin Content ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract A collaborative study was designed and carried out to test the accuracy and precision, at low levels of contamination, of AOAC methods I, 26.015-26.020, and III, 26.026-26.030, for the determination of anatoxins in peanut butter. Ten test samples and 1 practice sample of each peanut butter were analyzed by each method. Two test samples were naturally contaminated with about 2 μg aflatoxin B1/kg. The 8 spiked samples (duplicate samples for each level) had 0, 2, 4, and 8 μg B1 added/kg and B2 was added at one-fourth the B1 level. The 7 collaborators were instructed to analyze the samples according to methods I and III except for minor modifications necessary to handle the low level of aflatoxins in the sample extracts and to quantitate the aflatoxin content both visually and densitometrically. The results of this study indicate that the analysts were able to determine the aflatoxins in the 2–10 μg/kg range with either method although method I gave better accuracy and precision and had less interferences than method III.

scholarly journals A Case for Regular Aflatoxin Monitoring in Peanut Butter in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from a 3-Year Survey in Zambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
SAMUEL M. C. NJOROGE ◽  
LIMBIKANI MATUMBA ◽  
KENNEDY KANENGA ◽  
MOSES SIAMBI ◽  
FARID WALIYAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Batch Number ◽  
Sub Saharan

ABSTRACT A 3-year comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin contamination in peanut butter was conducted in Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzed 954 containers of 24 local and imported peanut butter brands collected from shops in Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke, Katete, and Nyimba districts and also in Lusaka from 2012 to 2014. For analysis, a sample included six containers of a single brand, from the same processing batch number and the same shop. Each container was quantitatively analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in six replicates by using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, aflatoxin contamination level of a given sample was derived from an average of 36 test values. Results showed that 73% of the brands tested in 2012 were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 130 μg/kg. In 2013, 80% of the brands were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 10,740 μg/kg. Compared with brand data from 2012 and 2013, fewer brands in 2014, i.e., 53%, had aflatoxin B1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 1,000 μg/kg. Of the eight brands tested repeatedly across the 3-year period, none consistently averaged ≤20 μg/kg. Our survey clearly demonstrates the regular occurrence of high levels of AF B1 in peanut butter in Zambia. Considering that some of the brands tested originated from neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the current findings provide a sub-Saharan regional perspective regarding the safety of peanut butter.

scholarly journals Changes in Fungal Population and Aflatoxin Levels and Assessment of Major Aflatoxin Types in Stored Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea Linnaeus)

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Maina Wagacha ◽  
Charity K. Mutegi ◽  
Maria E. Christie ◽  
Lucy W. Karanja ◽  
Job Kimani
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Fungal Population ◽  
Total Aflatoxin ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Polyethylene Bags ◽  
Jute Bags ◽  
The Eu

<p>Peanut kernels of Homabay Local, Valencia Red, ICGV-SM 12991 and ICGV-SM 99568 cultivars were stored for six months in jute, polypropylene and polyethylene bags to assess the effect of storage bags, temperature and R.H. on fungal population and aflatoxin contamination. Moisture content (M.C.), fungal population and aflatoxin levels were determined before storage and after every 30 days during storage. Isolates of <em>Aspergillus flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> were assayed for production of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. The correlation between MC, population of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> and aflatoxin levels in peanuts was also determined. Six fungal pathogens were commonly isolated from the peanut samples and occurred as follows in decreasing order: <em>Penicillium</em> spp. (106.6 CFU/g), <em>A. flavus</em> L-strain (4.8 CFU/g), <em>A. flavus</em> S-strain (2.9 CFU/g), <em>A. niger </em>(2.6 CFU/g), <em>A. parasiticus </em>(1.7 CFU/g) and <em>A. tamarii </em>(0.2 CFU/g). The overall population of <em>A. flavus</em> L-strain was 66% higher than that of <em>A. flavus</em> S-strain. Ninety one percent of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> isolates produced at least one of the four aflatoxin types assayed, with 36% producing aflatoxin B1. Total aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 - 47.8 µg/kg with samples stored in polyethylene and jute bags being the most and least contaminated, respectively. Eighty nine percent and 97% of the peanut samples met the EU (? 4 µg/kg) and Kenyan (? 10 µg/kg) regulatory standards for total aflatoxin, respectively. Peanuts should be adequately dried to safe moisture level and immediately packaged in a container - preferably jute bags - which will not promote critical increases in fungal population and aflatoxin contamination.</p>

scholarly journals Aflatoxin B1 risk management in Parmigiano Reggiano dairy cow feed

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgia Canestrari ◽  
Barbara Ricci ◽  
Valentina Pizzamiglio ◽  
Alberto Biancardi ◽  
Pierluigi Piazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Feed Samples ◽  
Parmigiano Reggiano ◽  
The Eu

This study investigated aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in dairy cow feed and the risk management of AFB1 content in concentrates undertaken by feed industries in the Parmigiano Reggiano area. Data on aflatoxin contamination risk management applied in 29 feed industries were collected and the AFB1 content of 70 feed samples was analyzed. Data were collected within the framework of a quality control program promoted by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium in 2013 and 2014. Audit results showed that the control procedures to prevent AFB1 contamination mainly focused on maize and its by-products. AFB1 concentration resulted lower than 5 ppb (legal EU limit) in all samples; in one out of 70 samples, AFB1 content was 3.8 ppb and in all the other samples it was lower than 3 ppb. Results showed that AFB1 risk management applied by Italian feed industries effectively monitors AFB1 levels in feed below the EU legal limit.

scholarly journals The Relationship of Gin Date to Aflatoxin Contamination of Cottonseed in Arizona

Plant Disease ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Bock ◽  
P. J. Cotty
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Seed Cotton ◽  
Aflatoxin Content ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Commercial Feed ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Field Variability ◽  
Early Harvest

During 1995 and 1996, a commercial gin in western Arizona ginned seed cotton on a field-by-field basis. Seed from each field was kept separate until sampled and analyzed for aflatoxin content according to Arizona Commercial Feed Law. This gave a comprehensive view of field-to-field variability in aflatoxin content as the season progressed. Regression analysis indicated significant relationships between gin date and aflatoxin content in both years: aflatoxin increased with later ginnning. Overall, 89 and 79% of seed lots exceeded 20 ppb in 1995 and 1996, respectively. No field ginned after Julian Day (JD) 273 in 1995 or after JD 267 in 1996 had an aflatoxin content <20 ppb. Means separation confirmed later ginned crops had significantly greater aflatoxin content (P = 0.05). In 1996, transgenic Bt and non-Bt cottonseed were similarly contaminated. Mean aflatoxin content of Bt cottonseed in 1996 was 413 ppb and that of non-Bt cottonseed was 598 ppb. These observations suggest that, in Arizona, losses from aflatoxin contamination of cottonseed can be reduced by early harvest.

scholarly journals Enzyme Immunoassay for Measuring Aflatoxin B1 in Legal Cannabis

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Di Nardo ◽  
Simone Cavalera ◽  
Claudio Baggiani ◽  
Matteo Chiarello ◽  
Marco Pazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Throughput Capacity ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation

The diffusion of the legalization of cannabis for recreational, medicinal and nutraceutical uses requires the development of adequate analytical methods to assure the safety and security of such products. In particular, aflatoxins are considered to pose a major risk for the health of cannabis consumers. Among analytical methods that allows for adequate monitoring of food safety, immunoassays play a major role thanks to their cost-effectiveness, high-throughput capacity, simplicity and limited requirement for equipment and skilled operators. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive enzyme immunoassay has been adapted to measure the most hazardous aflatoxin B1 in cannabis products. The assay was acceptably accurate (recovery rate: 78–136%), reproducible (intra- and inter-assay means coefficients of variation 11.8% and 13.8%, respectively), and sensitive (limit of detection and range of quantification: 0.35 ng mL−1 and 0.4–2 ng mL−1, respectively corresponding to 7 ng g−1 and 8–40 ng g−1 ng g−1 in the plant) and provided results which agreed with a HPLC-MS/MS method for the direct analysis of aflatoxin B1 in cannabis inflorescence and leaves. In addition, the carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 was detected in 50% of the cannabis products analyzed (14 samples collected from small retails) at levels exceeding those admitted by the European Union in commodities intended for direct human consumption, thus envisaging the need for effective surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in legal cannabis.

scholarly journals The Atoxigenic Biocontrol Product Aflasafe SN01 Is a Valuable Tool to Mitigate Aflatoxin Contamination of Both Maize and Groundnut Cultivated in Senegal

Plant Disease ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 510-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Senghor ◽  
A. Ortega-Beltran ◽  
J. Atehnkeng ◽  
K. A. Callicott ◽  
P. J. Cotty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Aflatoxin Content ◽  
Open Access Article ◽  
Aspergillus Section

Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize infected by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi is common throughout Senegal. The use of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains to reduce crop aflatoxin content has been successful in several regions, but no such products are available in Senegal. The biocontrol product Aflasafe SN01 was developed for use in Senegal. The four active ingredients of Aflasafe SN01 are atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native to Senegal and distinct from active ingredients used in other biocontrol products. Efficacy tests on groundnut and maize in farmers’ fields were carried out in Senegal during the course of 5 years. Active ingredients were monitored with vegetative compatibility analyses. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of aflatoxin producers occurred in all years, districts, and crops. In addition, crops from Aflasafe SN01-treated fields contained significantly (P < 0.05) fewer aflatoxins both at harvest and after storage. Most crops from treated fields contained aflatoxin concentrations permissible in both local and international markets. Results suggest that Aflasafe SN01 is an effective tool for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. Large-scale use of Aflasafe SN01 should provide health, trade, and economic benefits for Senegal. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .

scholarly journals Postharvest Practices of Maize Farmers in Kaiti District, Kenya and the Impact of Hermetic Storage on Populations of Aspergillus Spp. and Aflatoxin Contamination

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeline W Maina ◽  
John M Wagacha ◽  
Francis B Mwaura ◽  
James W Muthomi ◽  
Charles P Woloshuk
Keyword(s):  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Hermetic Storage ◽  
Aflatoxin Content ◽  
Aspergillus Section Flavi ◽  
Triple Layer ◽  
Storage Methods ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Aspergillus Section

Aflatoxin contamination in maize by Aspergillus spp. is a major problem causing food, income and health concerns. A study was carried out in Kaiti District in Lower Eastern Kenya to evaluate the effect of three months storage of maize in triple-layer hermetic (PICS™) bags on the population of Aspergillus spp. and levels of aflatoxin. Postharvest practices by maize farmers including time of harvesting, drying and storage methods were obtained with a questionnaire. Aspergillus spp. in soil and maize were isolated by serial dilution-plating and aflatoxin content was measured using Vicam method. Maize was mostly stored in woven polypropylene (PP) and sisal bags within granaries and living houses. Aspergillus flavus L-strain was the most predominant isolate from soil (Mean = 8.4 x102 CFU/g),on the harvested grain (4.1 x 102 CFU/g) and grain sampled after three months of storage (1.1 x 103 CFU/g). The type of storage bag significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced the population of members of Aspergillus section Flavi, with A. flavus (S and L strains) and A. parasiticus being 71% higher in PP bags than in PICS bags. Total aflatoxin in maize sampled at harvest and after three months storage ranged from <5 to 42.7 ppb with 55% lower aflatoxin content in PICS bags than in PP bags. After storage, the population of Aspergillus section Flavi was positively correlated with aflatoxin levels. The results of this study demonstrate that PICS bags are an effective management option for reducing population of toxigenic Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin in stored maize.

scholarly journals Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodities

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (04) ◽  
pp. 148-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. Rajarajan ◽  
K. M. Rajasekaran ◽  
N. K. Asha Devi
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Organic Substrates ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Hydroxylated Metabolite ◽  
Carcinogenic Compound

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring Mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aspergillus flavus is common and widespread in nature and is most often found when certain grains are grown under stressful conditions such as draught. The mold occurs in soil, decaying vegetation, hay and grains undergoing microbiological deterioration and invades all types of organic substrates whenever and wherever the conditions are favourable for its growth. Favourable conditions include high moisture content and high temperature.The aflatoxin group is comprised of aflatoxin B1,B2,G1 and G2. In addition , aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1, is excreted in the milk of dairy cows consuming an AFB1-contaminated ration. Aflatoxin B1 a prototype of the aflatoxins, is widely recognized as the most potent hepato carcinogenic compound and along with other certain members of the group, possess additional toxic properties including mutagenicity, tetrogenicity, acute cellular toxicity and it suppresses the immune system. Aflatoxin contamination of food and feed has gained global significance as a result of its deleterious effects on human as well as animal health. The marketability of food products is adversely affected by aflatoxin contamination.

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