No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Aflatoxins occur naturally in many agricultural crops causing health hazards and economic losses. Despite improved handling, processing and storage, they remain a problem in the peanut industry. Therefore, new ways to detoxify contaminated products are needed to limit economic/health impacts and add value to the peanut industry. The study was conducted (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonation and mild heat in breaking down aflatoxins in peanut kernels and flour, and (2) to quantify aflatoxin destruction compared with untreated samples. Peanut samples were inoculated with known concentrations of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. Samples were subjected to gaseous ozonation and under various temperatures (25, 50, 75 degrees C) and exposure times (5, 10, 15 min). Ozonated and non-ozonated samples were extracted in acetonitrile/water, derivatized in a Kobra cell and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ozonation efficiency increased with higher temperatures and longer treatment times. Regardless of treatment combinations, aflatoxins B1 and G1 exhibited the highest degradation levels. Higher levels of toxin degradation were achieved in peanut kernels than in flour. The temperature effect lessened as the exposure time increased, suggesting that ozonation at room temperature for 10-15 min could yield degradation levels similar to those achieved at higher temperatures while being more economical.

No abstract

Despite its high protein content and low cost, defatted peanut flour (DPF) remains underutilised in human foods. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the best extrusion parameters for a peanut-based textured meat analogue (TMA); (2) develop new TMA products from DPF and (3) evaluate their consumer acceptability. Preliminary runs using a wide range of extrusion parameters were conducted. A central composite RSM design was used to determine the optimal extrusion conditions within the best ranges revealed by the preliminary runs. Three levels of moisture, screw-speed and barrel temperature were used in 31 runs. Expansion ratio, bulk density, texture profile, water absorption ⁄ solubility indexes of the extrudates were determined and used as indicators of product quality. Peanut-based TMAs produced at optimal extrusion conditions were flavoured with beef flavour and evaluated by a 60-member sensory panel for flavour, texture, and overall liking, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Optimisation studies revealed that the most important extrusion conditions are in descending order: protein content, temperature, moisture and screw-speed. Extrusion conditions that produced the best TMA were 60-65% protein, 50-55% moisture, 160-165°C and 80-90 r.p.m. Sensory acceptability of snacks incorporating peanutbased TMAs was similar or better than those containing soya-based TMAs in terms of flavour, texture, off-flavour and overall liking. TMA produced from inexpensive DPF has the potential to compete with commercial meat analogues, thereby adding value to the peanut industry.

This study investigated the potential of peanut skin extract (PSE) as inhibitor of lipid oxidation in cooked and raw ground beef (GB) and as antimicrobial agent in raw GB. Results show that addition of PSE to raw GB before cooking significantly inhibited the formation of peroxides and TBARS in cooked GB during the refrigerated storage. PSE at concentration ‡0.06% was as effective as BHA ⁄ BHT at 0.02% in inhibiting lipid oxidation. PSE also inhibited the oxidation of meat pigments thereby preserving the fresh redness of treated meat when used at 0.02-0.10%. Microplate assay showed complete inhibition of test bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli) in the presence of PSE at 0.4% or higher. However, the antimicrobial effect of PSE in GB was less potent. Hence, PSE can primarily serve the dual purposes of preserving the colour of raw GB and preventing lipid oxidation in cooked products.