A Case for Regular Aflatoxin Monitoring in Peanut Butter in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from a 3-Year Survey in Zambia

Abstract

A 3-year comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin contamination in peanut butter was conducted in Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzed 954 containers of 24 local and imported peanut butter brands collected from shops in Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke, Katete, and Nyimba districts and also in Lusaka from 2012 to 2014. For analysis, a sample included six containers of a single brand, from the same processing batch number and the same shop. Each container was quantitatively analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in six replicates by using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, aflatoxin contamination level of a given sample was derived from an average of 36 test values. Results showed that 73% of the brands tested in 2012 were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 130 μg/kg. In 2013, 80% of the brands were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 10,740 μg/kg. Compared with brand data from 2012 and 2013, fewer brands in 2014, i.e., 53%, had aflatoxin B1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 1,000 μg/kg. Of the eight brands tested repeatedly across the 3-year period, none consistently averaged ≤20 μg/kg. Our survey clearly demonstrates the regular occurrence of high levels of AF B1 in peanut butter in Zambia. Considering that some of the brands tested originated from neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the current findings provide a sub-Saharan regional perspective regarding the safety of peanut butter.

Aflatoxin B1 levels in groundnut products from local markets in Zambia

“…There is no published information on the levels of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut kernels and milled groundnut powder sold in Zambian markets. However, Njoroge et al (2016) showed that peanut butter sold in Zambia is contaminated with AFB 1 . The peanut butter brands that were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin were both from local processors in Zambia, and also imported brands from Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, thus giving an indication of the regional occurrence of the toxin.…”

Groundnut spread likability, sensory properties, and intent to pay for quality certification

“…Groundnut paste available in Ghana is often contaminated by aflatoxin as it is in other countries of the region (28) or other parts of sub-Saharan Africa (29,30), and consumers are not able to assess visually the paste quality (30). Under the circumstances, quality certification is necessary as it results in discarding some of the purchased raw groundnuts during sorting.…”

Advances in Crop Improvement and Delivery Research for Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

“…Studies suggest that the aflatoxin is carcinogenic, immunosuppressive (reduction of the activation or efficacy of the immune system), hepatotoxic (liver toxicity), and teratogenic (abnormalities of physiological development) in nature and thus has adverse impacts on human and animal health thus affecting nutrition and trade in many African and Asian countries (Amaike and Keller, 2011;Kensler et al, 2011;Monyo et al, 2012;Kamika et al, 2014;Mupunga et al, 2014;Njoroge et al, 2016;Njoroge et al, 2017;Agbetiameh et al, 2018;Norlia et al, 2018;Lien et al, 2019). Exposure to aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1 (AfB1), is associated with increased risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer (Chu et al, 2017).…”