Study of aflatoxin in peanuts, from harvest to industrialization in the region of Matão, S.P.

Abstract

In the present work the occurrence of aflatoxin in peanut (Arachis hypogwea L.), in the region of Matão, S.P. was investigated, in three Stages, from harvest to industrialization: a) by the time the grower sells it to oil mill: Epochs I and II; b) during its storage prior to milling: Epochs III and IV and c) after oil extraction (peanut flour) : Epochs V and VI. In each stage two collections, of 10 samples each, were made in a total of 40 samples of peanuts and 20 samples of peaunt flour. From the results the following conclusions could be drawn; a) the majority of the samples, representing 85%, was toxic; b) the toxicity level of the samples, in terms of aflatoxin B1, grew from Epoch I to Epoch VI, presenting the average values of 0,06 ppm in the first and 1,22 ppm in the last one. The total mean value reached 0,44 ppm; c) good drying practices and proper storage can definitely help to maintain peanuts in a low level of aflatoxin and even prevent the occurrence of the toxin; d) the aflatoxin is already present in peanuts when growers take it to the oil mill.