Occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in peanuts and their products marketed in the region of Campinas, Brazil in 1995 and 1996.

Samples of peanuts and their products marketed in the region of Campinas, Brazil in 1995 and 1996 were analysed in terms of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 by thin-layer chromatography, aiming at the protection of consumer health. Of the 80 samples analysed, 35 of peanuts and 45 of peanut products, 41 (51%) presented contamination with aflatoxin, 11 of them being peanuts (27%) and 30 being products (67%), in a range of 43 to 1099 micrograms/kg for B1 + B2 + G1 + G2 with a 90th percentile of 415 (B1 + G1) and of 615 (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2). The results also demonstrated that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) reached the highest incidence and the highest upper limits compared with all the other aflatoxins.