NOVEL TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING THE GROWTH OF AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION BY ASPERGILLUS-PARASITICUS IN PACKAGED PEANUTS

The effects of modified atmosphere packaging involving oxygen absorben ts, storage temperature and packaging film barrier characteristics on the growth of and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus in p ackaged peanuts was investigated. Mold growth was barely visible in ai r-packaged peanuts using a high gas barrier film (ASI) while extensive mold growth was observed in peanuts packaged under similar gaseous co nditions using a low barrier film (ASIII). Incorporation of an oxygen absorbent (Ageless type S) inhibited mold growth in peanuts packaged i n film ASI, while mold growth occurred in peanuts packaged with an abs orbent/carbon dioxide generator (Ageless type G) in film ASI and in al l absorbent-packaged peanuts in film ASIII. Aflatoxin B1 production wa s detected at levels greater than the regulatory limit of 20 ng g-1 in air-packaged peanuts using film ASI at 20-degrees-C and 25-degrees-C with the maximum level of aflatoxin (52.95 ng g-1) being detected in a ir-packaged peanuts using film ASIII. However, aflatoxin production in all absorbent-packaged peanut samples was less than the regulatory le vel of 20 ng g-1 irrespective of the barrier characteristics of the pa ckaging film. Discoloration was more intensive in air-packaged peanuts in film ASIII especially at 25-degrees-C and 30-degrees-C than those packaged under similar or modified gaseous conditions using film ASI. This study has shown that oxygen absorbent technology is a simple and effective means of controlling the growth of and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus. However, the effectiveness of these absorbents is d ependent on the gas barrier properties of the packaging film surroundi ng the product.