Aflatoxins: Chemical and Biological Aspects

Review on pre- and post-harvest management of peanuts to minimize aflatoxin contamination

“…Since mycotoxin-producing molds are obligate aerobes, it seems likely that mycotoxin production could be prevented or at least reduced by modification of atmospheric gasses in storage silos; such as by using carbon dioxide, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide (Kabak et al, 2006). Heathcote and Hibbert (1978) reported that increases in the concentration of CO 2 in storage silo resulted in significant reductions in aflatoxin production.…”

Factors Influencing Aflatoxin Contamination in Before and After Harvest Peanuts: A Review

“…Aflatoxin contamination can occur if peanuts are not timely harvested, or mechanically harvested (Heathcote & Hibbert, 1978;Cole et al, 1995;Torres et al, 2014). The harvest time depends on the maturity of peanuts and weather conditions during harvesting.…”

“…Harvesting in the dry weather, aflatoxin contamination does not occur but often present in very humid weather (Kabak et al, 2006). Mechanical damage to kernels during digging and threshing peanuts makes them much more vulnerable to the invasion of molds and subsequent aflatoxin contamination (Heathcote & Hibbert, 1978).…”