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) B1, B2, G1 and G2 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 (B1+B2+G1+G2) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 μg·kg−1). Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDIM) 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 PDIM 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 AFB1.
Highlights
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, including A.flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius [12]
This probable daily mean intake (PDIM) 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
Samples of peanut products traded in the Northeast region of the state of São Paulo had high levels of aflatoxins, only 3.7% showed concentrations above the tolerance limit established by Brazilian regulations
Summary
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, including A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius [12]. Flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius [12] These fungi grow naturally on food products and the aflatoxins they produce cause a variety of toxic effects in vertebrates, including humans [5]. The aflatoxins identified include B1, B2, G1 and G2. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is most frequently found in plant substrates, and shows the greatest toxigenic potential [12]. The IARC (1993) has classified AFB1 as a class 1A human carcinogen [16]. In 2002, Brazilian authorities established a maximum limit of 20 μg·kg-1 for total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) in peanuts (unshelled, shelled, raw or roasted), peanut paste (or peanut butter) and corn (whole, crushed, mashed, ground, meals and brans) [1]
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