How common is aflatoxin in peanut butter?

Ninety-one percent (10 of 11) of the peanut butter samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (mean, 75.66 ng/g, and range, 6.1 to 247 ng/g), and aflatoxin B1 was the most prevalent (mean, 51.0 ng/g, and range, 3.7 to 191 ng/g). Three of the 18 peanut samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (range, 6.6 to 622 ng/g).

Should I worry about aflatoxin?

An aspergillus infection can weaken the plants enough to reduce crop yield, which is a concern for the farmers. Chronic aflatoxin exposure can lead to liver damage or liver cancer, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as a Hepatitis B infection.

What happens if you eat aflatoxins?

Ingesting small quantities of the toxins over the long term can cause liver cancer, and in some cases, it can cause lung cancer. This is because aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. Treatment of aflatoxin poisoning all depends on what is happening to the person.

How do you get rid of aflatoxin in peanuts?

One strategy to reduce the entry of aflatoxin into the peanut chain is the use of chemical treatments such as acetosyringone, syringaldehyde and sinapinic acid and ammonia applications during post‐harvest to reduce both fungal growth and toxin production [76].

What toxin is in peanut butter?

Peanut Butter Nuts are a very healthy source of protein and fat, but peanuts and peanut butter can contain aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is produced by species of the Aspergillus fungus, and has been connected to liver disease and liver cancer.

What are the signs of aflatoxin?

Most common signs and symptoms are:

• Nausea.
• Yellowing of skin and sclera (icterus)
• Itching.
• Vomiting.
• Bleeding.
• Abdominal pain.
• Lethargy.
• Edema.

Why should you not eat peanut butter?

Peanut butter contains a high amount of calories per serving. Make sure to moderate your portions to avoid unwanted weight gain. While most of the fat in peanut butter is relatively healthy, peanuts also contain some saturated fat, which can lead to heart problems when consumed in excess over time.

Who should avoid peanut butter?

Those with a known peanut allergy should avoid peanut butter and foods containing the nuts. The NIH also note that just 20 percent of those with an allergy will eventually outgrow the allergy and stop having reactions to nuts.