Evaluation of aflatoxins in peanut-enriched complementary flours from selected urban markets in Tanzania

Abstract

Peanut-enriched flour is a common weaning food for infants in Tanzania because of its high protein content. Studies have revealed that peanuts in Tanzania are often contaminated with aflatoxin in ranges from 10.3 to 40.3 μg/kg (the maximum acceptable level = 10 μg/kg for total aflatoxins). The objective of this study was to determine the level of aflatoxins in peanut-enriched flours from selected markets in Tanzania. Peanut-enriched flour samples (n = 65, 17 manufacturers) from six regions of Tanzania (Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, and Morogoro) were collected and analyzed for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, and total aflatoxin using reverse-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and post-column derivatization. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 were present in all samples from all regions and from all manufacturers, though levels were significantly higher in samples from Arusha than from other regions (p < 0.05). Seventy-one percent (71%) of samples had total aflatoxins above the acceptable levels of 10 μg/kg. Mean values of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, and total aflatoxin levels were not affected (p < 0.05) by type of packaging material. Manufacturers and consumers need education about the sources and effects of aflatoxins and how to prevent aflatoxin contamination.