Novel techniques for controlling the growth of and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus in packaged peanuts
1994
Ellis, W.O. | Smith, J.P. | Simpson, B.K. | Ramaswamy, H. | Doyon, G.
The effects of modified atmosphere packaging involving oxygen absorbents, storage temperature and packaging film barrier characteristics on the growth of and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus in packaged peanuts was investigated. Mold growth was barely visible in air-packaged peanuts using a high gas barrier film (ASI) while extensive mold growth was observed in peanuts packaged under similar gaseous conditions using a low barrier film (ASIII). Incorporation of an oxygen absorbent (Ageless type S) inhibited mold growth in peanuts packaged in film ASI, while mold growth occurred in peanuts packaged with an absorbent/carbon dioxide generator (Ageless type G) in film ASI and in all absorbent-packaged peanuts in film ASIII. Aflatoxin B1 production was detected at levels greater than the regulatory limit of 20 ng-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 air-packaged peanuts using film ASIII. However, aflatoxin production in all absorbent-packaged peanut samples was less than the regulatory level of 20 ng g-1 irrespective of the barrier characteristics of the packaging 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 dependent on the gas barrier properties of the packaging film surrounding the product.
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