Preventing mycotoxin contamination in groundnut cultivation

Description

Aflatoxin contamination of crops and food poses a substantial threat to humans and livestock worldwide. Preventing various Aspergillus species from becoming established and growing on peanuts (groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L.) can reduce aflatoxin contamination. This chapter describes factors that affect the growth of A. flavus and A. parasiticus on peanut, as well as models predicting contamination, cultural and biological control measures designed to minimize contamination, challenges associated with research and quantification of aflatoxin. The chapter also features three case studies from current value chain projects in Ghana, Haiti, and Malawi. The chapter argues the need for a more focused and concerted effort to address the issue of aflatoxin contamination in peanut.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Factors impacting aflatoxin development 3 Prediction models for aflatoxin development 4 Minimizing aflatoxin contamination 5 Aflatoxin contamination during drying, storage and processing 6 Challenges in mycotoxin research 7 Value chain projects 8 Conclusion 9 Where to look for further information 10 References