Determination of Aflatoxin B1 Contents in Peanut Protein Snack Bars

Abstract

Peanuts, which are rich in nutrients, are used in many products and are often a primary ingredient of protein bars. However, when the necessary production and storage conditions are not met, mycotoxins, and particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is the most toxic and most common mycotoxin, may pose a great risk. This study was undertaken to indirectly examine the appropriateness of storage conditions for peanut protein bars sold at different supply points and to identify the presence of AFB1 in compliance with the relevant legal limitations. In February and March 2022, different varieties of peanut protein bars without added sugars were obtained from local markets and nonmarket store chains (places where sports products, cosmetic products, and protein bars are sold) in Ankara, Turkey. AFB1 contents were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The limit imposed by the Turkish Food Codex regulation on contaminants is 5 ppb. While 38.3% of the samples were under that limit, 61.7% were above. No significant difference was found for the place of sale ( $p=0.542$ and χ2 = 2.150), selling conditions ( $p=0.497$ ), product ingredients, or remaining shelf-life ( $p=0.804$ ) regarding the level of AFB1 in the samples. However, it was determined that samples with peanut percentages lower than 17.0% had higher amounts of AFB1 ( $p<0.001$ ), and other available ingredients might affect the AFB1 content of peanut bars. It was concluded that most samples (n = 37.0, $p<0.001$ , t = −8.607) posed a risk in terms of AFB1. Considering the shelf-life of such products and that peanuts can produce AFB1 during their shelf-life, it would be beneficial to monitor the frequency of supervision and prevent the sale of peanut bars with AFB1 contents higher than the limits.