Aflatoxins: A Postharvest Associated Challenge and Mitigation Opportunities

Abstract

In agriculture, Aflatoxins are of major concern as they affect the nutrient quality of crops like Groundnut, Maize, and Coffee which are global economic commodities. Aflatoxin-contaminated products cause substantial financial losses and significant health problems in living beings. Aspergillus produces aflatoxins during environmental stress conditions. The International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) conducted studies on aflatoxins and found that Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) and Aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) can cause cancer in both humans and animals and are classified into the Group 1 category of chemical hazards for potentiation mutagens. In India, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) monitors Aflatoxin levels in food and feeds. Aflatoxin contamination reduces the quality of groundnuts, maize, and coffee, affecting their exports. Consumption of aflatoxins contaminated feed induces liver cancer, immune suppressions, shunted growth, and in higher amounts, causes death. The current review provides information based on previous studies and newly adapted guidelines and methods showing the impact of aflatoxins on crops such as groundnut, coffee, and maize. The use of artificial intelligence to detect aflatoxin and mitigation opportunities using technologies such as Aflasafe, Aflaguard, hermetic bags, and Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS).