Comparison of Aflatoxin Levels in Contaminated Roasted Peanuts with Different Time and Packaging

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs) are high toxic secondary metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They display significant carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive potential for several mammalian species, including humans. In this study, AFs levels in contaminated roasted peanuts with different time and packaging in household was to investigated. Three hundred and twenty-five roasted peanut samples were randomized from different packaging; wrapped plastic bags, zip-locked plastic bags and vacuum boxes at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days in the same environmental condition. The total AFs levels were analyzed using competitive ELISA technique. The results showed that the total AFs concentrations of roasted peanuts were more than 20 μg/kg at the 30 and 60 days in wrapped plastic bags and the 60 days in zip-locked plastic bags and vacuum boxes, respectively. This study showed safe package of roasted peanuts in household.