Aflatoxins In Peanuts Research Articles

Multilayer spatial-spectral segmentation network for detecting AFB1

Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus, is commonly found in peanuts and poses a significant threat to human health. In this paper, we propose an adjustable Mul-U-Net model, capable of learning both spectral and spatial information in parallel, facilitating rapid detection of aflatoxins by adjusting the number of central spatial U units. First, AFB1 was semantically segmented by inputting hyperspectral image cubes into six semantic segmentation models: Mul-U-Net, U-Net, FCN, SegNet, CNN, and RefineNet. Experimental results demonstrate that Mul-U-Net outperformed the other models, achieving an overall accuracy of 95.64 % and an RMSE of 0.2079. We further examined the influence of different spatial U units on model performance and found that the optimal spatial U count matched the number of labels. In the aflatoxin dataset, the Mul-2 U-Net model achieved the highest accuracy of 96.12 %. Further validation on the Indian Pines and Pavia University datasets showed that Mul-16 U-Net and Mul-9 U-Net achieved the highest accuracies of 98.12 % and 98.01 %, respectively. This study presents a robust, high-performance, and tunable Mul-U-Net semantic segmentation network, offering a valuable new approach for the identification of aflatoxins in peanuts.

Exposure and knowledge on peanut aflatoxin B1 among urban consumer in Jakarta, Indonesia

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L), an important food in the Indonesian diet, has been reported to be contaminated with the carcinogenic Aflatoxin B1. However, research on consumer knowledge and exposure to AfB1 from peanuts in Indonesia is still limited. This study aimed to assess the exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) from peanuts consumed by urban Jakarta and their knowledge of aflatoxin risk. This observational study was cross-sectional in design, involving 192 randomly selected respondents. Peanut intake frequency was measured using a semi-quantitative FFQ instrument. Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding knowledge and income. The AfB1 content was analyzed by HPLC. Pearson Chi-Square test was used for analysis. The results showed that AfB1 contaminants were present in all samples. Respondents who frequently consumed high amounts of peanuts and processed products were exposed to AfB1 with a median of 22.55 ppb bb/day. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and AfB1 exposure (p= 0.874), age (p= 0.884), or income (p= 0.355). In conclusion, aflatoxin B1 exposure was still high in urban areas. There was no relationship between knowledge and exposure to AfB1 peanuts. Inter-sectoral strengthening of the empowerment and control of aflatoxin exposure is needed, as are economic and health impact studies related to AfB1 exposure.

Developing statistical models of aflatoxin risk in peanuts using historical weather data

AbstractAflatoxin contamination in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a significant public health risk. Aflatoxin is detected postharvest after inspection of loads associated with grading at peanut buying points, leaving growers and shellers in a precarious position. Stricter limits on aflatoxin contamination could restrict the United States access to international markets. Predicting aflatoxin risk remains challenging, but improved tools could help inform postharvest storage segregation decisions and alert industry stakeholders to seasonal threats. This study aimed to develop and evaluate multiple statistical models that estimate the regional status of peanut aflatoxin contamination based on preharvest weather conditions. Our approach expanded on an existing peanut aflatoxin model for which a new geographic area and time period were tested. Weather variables served as independent variables to predict the risk of aflatoxin as the proportion of samples with greater than 20 ppb and 4 ppb aflatoxin (PGT20 [the proportion of samples with greater than 20 ppb aflatoxin] and PGT4 [the proportion of samples with greater than 4 ppb aflatoxin], respectively) across 10 counties in Georgia for 2018–2022. Best‐performing models were developed through multiple linear stepwise regression explaining more than 72% and 41% of the variability in PGT20 and PGT4, respectively. Model performance further varied whether it was a year of low or high aflatoxin incidence, with temperature observed as a key influencing factor across best‐performing models. This study established an adaptive approach to monitoring and managing aflatoxin risk through statistical predictive modeling, with output targeting farmers, industry, regulators, and public health officials. Future model development will aim to improve interpretation and confidence with in‐season aflatoxin prediction and efficacy testing of this approach across space and time.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction.

Arachis hypogaea is the most significant oilseed nutritious legume crop in agricultural trade across the world. It is recognized as a valued crop for its contributions to nourishing food, as a cooking oil, and for meeting the protein needs of people who are unable to afford animal protein. Currently, its production, marketability, and consumption are hindered because of Aspergillus species infection that consequently contaminates the kernels with aflatoxins. Regarding health concerns, humans and animals are affected by acute and chronic aflatoxin toxicity and millions of people are at high risk of chronic levels. Most methods used to store peanuts are traditional and serve effectively for short-term storage. Now the question for long-term storage has been raised, and this promptly finds potential approaches to the issue. It is imperative to reduce the aflatoxin levels in peanuts to a permissible level by introducing detoxifying innovations. Most of the detoxification reports mention physical, chemical, and biological techniques. However, many current approaches are impractical because of time consumption, loss of nutritional quality, or weak detoxifying efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate practical, economical, and green methods to control Aspergillus flavus that address current global food security problems. Herein, a green and economically revolutionary way is a nanotechnology that has demonstrated its potential to connect farmers to markets, elevate international marketability, improve human and animal health conditions, and enhance food quality and safety by the management of fungal diseases. Due to the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticles, they act as nanofungicides and have an incredible role in the control of aflatoxins. Nanoparticles have ultrasmall sizes and therefore penetrate the fungal body and invade the pathogen machinery, leading to fungal cell death by ROS production, mutation in DNA, disruption of organelles, and membrane leakage. This is the first mechanistic overview that unveils a comprehensive insight into aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, its prevalence, health effects, and management in addition to nanotechnological interventions that serve as a triple defense approach to detoxify aflatoxins. The optimum use of nanofungicides ensures food safety and the development of goals, especially "zero hunger".

Impact of conservation farming practices on Aspergillus population density, peanut aflatoxin level, and exposure risk in Zambia

Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) by aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. is a serious problem worldwide affecting human health and restricting trade. Recently, conservation agriculture practices such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, soil surface cover, intercropping, and planting in basins alongside trees that enhance soil fertility, have been introduced in Zambia as tools to conserve soil moisture, increase peanut yield, and reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination. However, a limited understanding exists of the impact of conservation agriculture on Aspergillus population densities in the soil and aflatoxin concentrations in crops grown under conservation agriculture. This study assessed the impact of conservation agriculture on (i) Aspergillus communities profile in soil cropped to peanuts, (ii) peanut aflatoxin contamination levels, and (iii) influences of the practices on liver cancer risks as a result of consuming peanuts grown in basins, peanuts grown in basins in farms having Gliricidia sepium trees (agroforestry), and peanuts grown on ridges (conventional tillage). Densities of Aspergillus spp. in soils ranged from 10 to 7,400 CFU/g (mean = 295 CFU/g). The densities differed among farming techniques (p = 0.0011) with conventional tillage (357 CFU/g) supporting higher densities than agroforestry (296 CFU/g) and peanuts grown in basins (230 CFU/g). Aspergillus communities were dominated by fungi with S morphology (55%; which is composed of several morphologically similar species), followed by A. parasiticus (34%), and the L morphotype of A. flavus (11%). Over 60% of the peanut samples were contaminated but there were no differences among farming techniques. Mean aflatoxin contents in peanuts were 110, 99, and 87, μg/kg for agroforestry, conventional tillage, and peanuts grown in basins, respectively. Probable daily aflatoxin intake ranged from 12.7 to 767.1 ng/kg body weight/d, depending on the age of consumers. The estimated liver cancer risk due to consumption of raw peanuts (0.334 to 20.128 cases/100,000 persons/year) was highest among children below 5 years and least for young adults. The results showed that growing peanuts in basins has the potential to reduce Aspergillus populations in soil. Possibly, planting in basins and agroforestry had minimal effect on water runoff and did not support sufficient moisture retention in the soil to reduce Aspergillus spp. densities and aflatoxin accumulation in the peanuts. Thus, more research is needed to improve the effectiveness of peanut cultivation in basins in shaping the Aspergillus species profiles for ultimately reducing aflatoxin in peanuts to safe levels. Given the high exposure of Zambia’s population, especially children, and that contaminated food is the major source of exposure, it is essential that appropriate technical, policy and institutional measures are promoted for aflatoxin mitigation in Zambia.

Evaluation of the Level of Aflatoxins in Raw Peanuts and Reduction Levels of Aflatoxins in Peanuts through Nixtamalization (Lime Treatment) and Calcium Enrichment

Nixtamalization has been widely used as a method of reducing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts as well as in calcium enrichment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of nixtamalization on aflatoxin and nutrient content in peanuts among wholesalers and retailers at Nyamakima Market in Nairobi, Kenya. A representative sample was drawn from a population of 70 market vendors using a systematic random sampling technique, resulting in 35 raw peanut samples for analysis via ELISA to determine initial aflatoxin levels. These samples were then subjected to nixtamalization treatments of 4, 8, and 16 minutes. The findings revealed that the average concentration of total aflatoxins in peanuts initially exceeded the accepted safety limit, with 71% of the samples failing to meet the standards. However, nixtamalization led to a substantial reduction in aflatoxin levels by 49%, 48%, and 50% after treatment durations of 4, 8, and 16 minutes, respectively. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Two-sample T-tests, confirmed significant distinctions between initial and final mean aflatoxin levels post-treatment, as well as variations between treatments. The study also observed a significant variation in calcium levels between the different time treatments, supported by linear regression analysis, which demonstrated a robust correlation between time treatments and calcium levels (R2=0.83, P=0.011). Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant differences in mean moisture contents across various treatments (P=0.000), and a linear relationship between mean moisture content and exposure time (P=0.02). The results emphasize the positive impact of nixtamalization in reducing aflatoxin levels and enhancing calcium content in peanuts. However, it is crucial to note the negative effect on moisture content, which exceeded stipulated limits, potentially raising concerns about product safety and quality.

Adoption of Production Practices to Mitigate Aflatoxin Following Research Projects in Selected Villages in Ghana

Aflatoxin (a mycotoxin caused by Aspergillus spp.) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and other crops can have a major negative impact on human health. Previous research has been conducted to mitigate aflatoxin in the supply chain. However, documentation of adoption of proven interventions that decrease contamination by aflatoxin is limited in peanut. One objective of the research reported in this paper was to determine adoption of effective interventions for aflatoxin mitigation by farmers involved in a research project designed to quantify contamination in the field prior to harvest, immediately after drying, and following storage. A second objective was to compare adoption by spillover farmers (e.g., farmers not involved in the research project living in the same community as the research farmers) and a control group of farmers in other villages not exposed to the research project. The empirical study was conducted in Ghana from 2016 and 2017 to compare strategies to increase yield and reduce aflatoxin in peanut in five communities. Information on findings of the research were discussed among participating farmers and other local farmers through farmer field schools. Increases in yield and reductions in aflatoxin contamination were documented in this research and are reported elsewhere. Understanding concepts and implementing improved practices in the field, during drying, and in storage by farmers involved directly in research trials, farmers within research-targeted communities, and farmers in nearby communities without access to findings from the research were determined using a survey instrument near the end of the project in 2017 and 2018. Adoption of improved practices by farmers participating in the research and those of farmers influenced through discussions with participating farmers were often greater than a control group of farmers influenced by outcomes. For example, farmers in the research group and farmers gaining knowledge from the research findings dried peanuts on tarpaulins more than the control group of farmers. Farmers with greater exposure to the potentially negative impacts of aflatoxin on human health were less likely to consume peanut containing the mold causing aflatoxin and were more likely to discard contaminated peanut rather than selling them in the market.

Assessment of early harvest in the prevention of aflatoxins in peanuts during drought stress conditions

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early harvest in preventing aflatoxins in peanuts under drought-stress conditions. A field experiment was conducted on the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons in a greenhouse with an irrigation system to induce three drought stress conditions: no stress, mild, and severe stress. In addition, three harvest dates were proposed: two weeks earlier, one week earlier, and ideal harvest time. The mean peanut yield was 2634 kg/ha, considering the two growing seasons, and the drought stress conditions and harvest dates did not influence significantly. The shelling percentage was significantly higher in samples harvested at ideal harvest (77.7 %) than two weeks earlier (76.2 %) and was not influenced by drought stress conditions. Although a low mean percentage of grains with insect damage was identified, this percentage was statistically higher under severe stress (0.4 %) compared to no-stress conditions (0.2 %). The soil contamination ranged from 2.52 × 103 to 1.64 × 104 CFU/g of Aspergillus section Flavi, and the drought stress resulted in significantly higher concentrations in mild and severe stressed samples. A. section Flavi was found to infect all the peanut kernel samples. The drought stress resulted in higher percentages of A. section Flavi infections in samples from mild and severe stress conditions. The harvest date did not influence the soil and peanut kernel occurrence of A. section Flavi. A total of 435 and 796 strains of A. section Flavi were isolated from soil and peanut kernels, respectively. The potential of aflatoxin production by soil isolates was 31, 44, and 25 % for aflatoxin non-producers, aflatoxin B producers, and aflatoxin B and G producers, respectively, while in peanut kernel isolates were 44, 44, and 12 %. Three different A. section Flavi species were identified from peanut kernels: A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. pseudocaelatus. The mean aflatoxin concentration in peanut kernels was 42, 316, and 695.5 μg/kg in samples under no stress, mild stress, and severe stress conditions, respectively. Considering the harvest time, the mean aflatoxin concentration was 9.9, 334.3, and 614.2 μg/kg in samples harvested two weeks earlier, one week earlier, and in ideal harvest, respectively. In conclusion, the early harvest proved to be a viable, cost-free alternative for controlling aflatoxin in the peanut pre-harvest, resulting in a safer product and a better quality for sale and economic gain.

Aflatoxin in peanuts and maize: an overview on occurrence, regulations, prevention, and control methods

Aflatoxins belong to a group of highly carcinogenic mycotoxins, produced mainly byAspergillus flavus andAspergillus parasiticus in various agricultural food commodities. It is hard to eliminate them from food and feed due to their high stability. Aflatoxin contamination in food grains, particularly peanut and maize, continues to cause significant health concerns in the population of developing nations. They can be fatal to humans and animals. Several actions can be taken to protect both humans and animals by following all applicable laws and regulations controlling aflatoxins, preventing pre- and post-harvest contamination, reducing the synthesis of aflatoxins, decontamination, and detoxification. This review will focus on the occurrence of aflatoxins, factors affecting aflatoxin production, worldwide regulations of aflatoxins, adverse effects on health and economy, prevention, and control strategies for aflatoxins, specifically in peanuts and corn, to assure food safety and security. This review is intended to be educational not just for health-conscious consumers but also for authorities in the field to pave the path for future research to address the gaps in knowledge about mycotoxins and food safety.

Fluorine-Functionalized Triazine-Based Porous Organic Polymers for the Efficient Adsorption of Aflatoxins.

Food safety issue caused by aflatoxins has aroused widespread concern in society. Herein, a novel fluorine-functionalized triazine-based porous organic polymer (F-POP) was developed for the first time by the simple condensation polymerization of 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine and cyanuric chloride. With in-built fluorine functional group (F) and imine group (-NH-), F-POP displayed significantly superior adsorption ability for aflatoxins, outperforming fluorine-free POP due to the multiple interaction mechanisms of hydrogen bond, F-O interaction, π-π interaction, F-π interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. Thus, magnetic F-POP was prepared by introducing Fe3O4 into F-POP and then utilized as a magnetic sorbent for the extraction of trace aflatoxins in peanut and rice samples prior to high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method presented high sensitivity with the limit of detections at 0.005-0.15 ng g-1. F-POP also exhibited outstanding adsorption capability for many other organic pollutants, revealing its great potential for analysis or adsorption applications.

Quantitative aflatoxin B1 detection and mining key wavelengths based on deep learning and hyperspectral imaging in subpixel level

Aflatoxin is a serious threat to agricultural safety and human health. This study used a one-dimensional convolutional network to detect peanut aflatoxin B1 content and mine the aflatoxin key wavelengths based on spectral information. First, predicting AFB1 content performance was compared between single-branch and dual-branch convolutional networks. Pearson correlation coefficient of the dual-branch network was 0.77 for toxin content prediction, which was better than the single-branch network model. Then, the key wavelengths of deep learning mining were evaluated using support vector machines under different training folds. The experimental results showed that the key wavelength was optimal with 8 training folds. Finally, deep learning and traditional methods were performed to mine the key wavelengths. The experimental results indicated that the key wavelengths mined by deep learning were better than the traditional method, and the accuracy of deep learning was 91.30% in the test set. The most important wavelength of deep learning was 445 nm. The study indicated that the model accurately predicted toxin content and selected key wavelengths. The model provides an effective method for aflatoxin rapid detection.

Risk Profiling of Aflatoxin in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to the Filipino Consuming Population

Aflatoxin (AFL) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus spp. and is commonly associated with peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), a major field legume in the Philippines. The major types of AFL are B1, B2, G1, and G2 – comprising the total aflatoxin (AFT). AFL exposure has been shown to cause both chronic and acute toxicity, with the liver as the main target organ. It is considered genotoxic and carcinogenic. The objective of this study is to establish the profile of the potential risks associated with the consumption of peanuts contaminated with aflatoxin to the Filipino consuming population. The study included [1] determination of data gaps in the risk profiling of AFL in the consumption of peanuts by the Filipino peanut-consuming population; [2] hazard identification and characterization; [3] estimation of dietary exposure (DE) and risk- based on uncertainties, variabilities, and assumptions; and [4] consolidation of available control measures and possible mitigation protocols for AFL in peanut. AFL was detected in 92% of all the peanut samples (n = 50) analyzed, with overall mean levels of 802.83 μg/kg AFT, 683.53 μg/kg AFB1, and 119.30 μg/kg AFB2 exceeding the maximum level (ML) of 15 μg/kg set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for AFT. Considering the assumptions made and data gathered in this study, the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of the Filipino adult (20–59 yr old) consuming population to AFT and to AFB1 in peanut – at 97.5th percentile consumption – were 1.22–6,527.18 ng/kg body weight (bw)/d and 1.22–5,574.90 ng/kg bw/d, respectively, which exceeded the recommended provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 1 ng/kg bw/d. The margins of exposure (MOE) were also generally estimated to be below 10,000, which indicates that it is a potential health concern and that it supports the need for further risk management actions.

A new FTIR method combined with multivariate data analysis for determining aflatoxins in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)

Papaya fruits extracts enhance the antioxidant capacity and modulate the genotoxicity and oxidative stress in the kidney of rats fed ochratoxin A-contaminated dietAziza A. El-Nekeety, Khaled G. Abdel-Wahhab, Sekena H. Abdel-Aziem, Fathia A. Mannaa, Nabila S. Hassan, Mosaad A. Abdel-Wahhab

Decomposing Aflatoxins in Peanuts Using Advanced Oxidation Processes by UV and H2O2

Decomposing Aflatoxins in Peanuts Using Advanced Oxidation Processes by UV and H2O2

Development of biochar-impregnated alginate beads for the delivery of biocontrol agents for peanut aflatoxin

The competitive inhibition of aflatoxigenic fungi by non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus has proved to be an effective method to prevent and control peanut aflatoxin contamination, and most of the currently used inoculum carriers are grains. In this study, the reliability and efficiency of replacing grain kernels with novel chitosan-coated alginate-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) beads impregnated with biochar (CSACB) were evaluated. Characterisation of the beads was performed by SEM, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and swelling properties analyses. The optimised CSACB beads had good physical stability, shelf life, and entrapment efficiency. In addition, the water-holding capacity and porous structure were excellent, as the biochar provided a beneficial microenvironment for the attachment and microbial growth of the biocontrol fungus. The effect of reducing aflatoxin in peanuts was verified experimentally. Collectively, the novel CSACB beads are suitable carriers of non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus for the biocontrol of peanut aflatoxin.

Effective approaches for early identification and proactive mitigation of aflatoxins in peanuts: An EU–China perspective

Nearly 700,000 tonnes of peanuts are consumed annually in Europe. In the last 5years, peanuts imported from China exceeded legal European Union (EU) aflatoxin limits more than 180 times. To prevent and mitigate aflatoxin contamination, the stages of the peanut chain most vulnerable to contamination must be assessed to determine how to interrupt the movement of contaminated produce. This paper discusses effective approaches for early identification and proactive mitigation of aflatoxins in peanuts to reduce a contaminant that is an impediment to trade. We consider (i) the results of the EU Commission's Directorate-General (DG) for Health and Food Safety review, (ii) the Code of Practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxins in peanuts issued by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, (iii) the results from previous EU-China efforts, and (iv) the latest state-of-the-art technology in pre- and postharvest methods as essential elements of a sustainable program for integrated disease and aflatoxin management. These include preharvest use of biocontrol, biofertilizers, improved tillage, forecasting, and risk monitoring based on analysis of big data obtained by remote sensing. At the postharvest level, we consider rapid testing methods along the supply chain, Decision Support Systems for effective silo management, and effective risk monitoring during drying, storage, and transport. Available guidance and current recommendations are provided for successful practical implementation. Food safety standards also influence stakeholder and consumer trust and confidence, so we also consider the results of multiactor stakeholder group discussions.

Comprehensive evaluation of Chinese peanut mini-mini core collection and QTL mapping for aflatoxin resistance

BackgroundAflatoxin contamination caused by Aspergillus fungi has been a serious factor affecting food safety of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) because aflatoxins are highly harmful for human and animal health. As three mechanisms of resistance to aflatoxin in peanut including shell infection resistance, seed infection resistance and aflatoxin production resistance exist among naturally evolved germplasm stocks, it is highly crucial to pyramid these three resistances for promoting peanut industry development and protecting consumers’ health. However, less research effort has been made yet to investigate the differentiation and genetic relationship among the three resistances in diversified peanut germplasm collections.ResultsIn this study, the Chinese peanut mini-mini core collection selected from a large basic collection was systematically evaluated for the three resistances against A. flavus for the first time. The research revealed a wide variation among the diversified peanut accessions for all the three resistances. Totally, 14 resistant accessions were identified, including three with shell infection resistance, seven with seed infection resistance and five with aflatoxin production resistance. A special accession, Zh.h1312, was identified with both seed infection and aflatoxin production resistance. Among the five botanic types of A. hypogaea, the var. vulgaris (Spanish type) belonging to subspecies fastigiata is the only one which possessed all the three resistances. There was no close correlation between shell infection resistance and other two resistances, while there was a significant positive correlation between seed infection and toxin production resistance. All the three resistances had a significant negative correlation with pod or seed size. A total of 16 SNPs/InDels associated with the three resistances were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). Through comparative analysis, Zh.h1312 with seed infection resistance and aflatoxin production resistance was also revealed to possess all the resistance alleles of associated loci for seed infection index and aflatoxin content.ConclusionsThis study provided the first comprehensive understanding of differentiation of aflatoxin resistance in diversified peanut germplasm collection, and would further contribute to the genetic enhancement for resistance to aflatoxin contamination.

Burden of Disease Associated with Dietary Exposure to Aflatoxins in China in 2020.

Aflatoxins (AFTs), as a group 1 carcinogen, could lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dietary intake is the primary way of AFT exposure in humans. However, the contribution of foodborne AFT intake to the HCC burden remains unknown in recent years in China. Hence, the present study was conducted to estimate the burden of HCC attributed to foodborne AFT exposure by using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The risk assessment was used to estimate the incidence of HCC related to AFT exposure. Concentrations of AFTs in peanuts, peanut oil, corn, and corn products were retrieved from literature published between 2010 and 2020 in China. Corresponding daily food consumption data were obtained from two nationwide Chinese surveys. A direct approach was used to calculate DALY and DALY rates to quantify the HCC burden attributed to dietary AFT exposure. The total amount of AFT intake through peanut, peanut oil, corn, and corn products was 4.018 ng/kg bw/day resulting in 0.125 extra HCC cases per year/100,000 persons, corresponding to a DALY number and DALY rate of 21,625.08 and 1.53 per 100,000 population, respectively. Regionally, DALYs were high in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, corresponding to 5948 and 5595 DALYs. A total of 1.5 DALYs/100,000 were lost due to the AFT exposure. DALYs per 100,000 population were higher in several coastal areas. Though the disease burden of HCC caused by dietary AFTs was low in the Chinese population, a high health risk was found in the residents of some areas with high AFT exposure. AFTs are still a health challenge for the Chinese people.

Evaluation of reduction of aflatoxins by near infrared spectrometric sorting in the highly aflatoxin-contaminated peanut lots

Peanuts are one of the most susceptible crops to aflatoxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, and is often contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs). AF contamination of peanuts is a major human and animal health hazard that has an economic impact worldwide. Numerous control and management strategies have been developed to reduce the levels of AFs in peanuts and sorting is the final stage in the process targeted at decreasing AF levels. Previous studies have shown that handpicking and electric color sorting are not entirely effective in reducing AF levels because of the occurrence of apparently healthy but internally moldy kernels with high AF levels. A previous study (Hirano, et al. 1998) showed that near infrared (NIR), the ratio of transmittance energies at two wavelengths of 700 to 1100, was applicable for efficiently removing internally moldy kernels. However the use of this procedure was limited to a sample that contained artificially inoculated kernels and low levels of AFs. This present study evaluated the performance of spectrometric sorting in naturally and highly AF-contaminated peanut lots on a commercial scale. The NIR spectrometric sorting clearly showed that AFs could be effectively decreased to levels of < 10 μg/kg even when the lot was highly contaminated with > 700 μg/kg of AFs by rejecting deteriorated kennels, including those that were internally moldy.

The Effect of Rapid Detection Methods on the Minimization and Prevention of the Risk of Contamination with Aflatoxins in Peanut Products

The methods of analysis and control of aflatoxins in peanuts pursue three key objectives: prevent the entry of contaminated peanuts into ready-to-eat products where they are used as an ingredient; prevent and minimize the risk of cross-contamination from contaminated peanuts to fit-for-use raw materials; perform an appropriate incoming inspection through rapid analysis methods for real-time detection of the absence of or the degree of contamination with aflatoxins. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of rapid detection methods on the minimization and prevention of the risk of contamination with aflatoxins during the incoming inspection in industries using peanut products in the composition of the finished products. The methods of detection of aflatoxins in peanut products are: Mass Spectrometry combined with High - Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the internal methodology VAL 92:2010 developed by an accredited laboratory and immunochromatographic rapid tests.