Managing aflatoxin risk in the peanut supply chain using quantitative metrics

Abstract

The Food Safety Objective (FSO) is a concept that specifies the maximum level of hazard that can be tolerated in a food at the time of consumption, guaranteeing an appropriate level of protection for consumer health. It is a tool that provides risk management throughout the food production chain from the field to the consumer. The application of this concept to mycotoxins was performed for the first time for aflatoxins in peanuts, but in a conceptual and theoretical way, without applying quantitative metrics. FSO metrics for mycotoxin management have been applied to aflatoxins in pistachios and, more recently, to ochratoxin A in coffee. A challenge that is still present and constant in peanut cultivation is the presence of aflatoxins, which results in a reduction of quality and a decrease in commercial value. Aflatoxins are the most potent recognized liver carcinogens and are currently classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1 carcinogens. Measures to prevent and reduce aflatoxins in peanuts must be taken at all stages of the peanut production chain. This study aims to apply the FSO approach to assess aflatoxin hazard in peanuts using quantitative data. It also aims to establish quantitative limits at various stages of the peanut supply chain under different scenarios.