Aflatoxin contamination of peanuts at harvest in China from 2010 to 2013 and its relationship with climatic conditions

Abstract Aflatoxins are toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds that can contaminate various types of agro-products, among which peanuts are one of the most susceptible foodstuffs. In the current study, a total of 2494 peanut samples collected from four major peanut producing areas in China (Liaoning, Henan, Sichuan, and Guangdong provinces) from 2010 to 2013 were investigated for the occurrence of aflatoxins. A close relationship can be concluded between the result and the weather a month before harvest. According to the relationship, the highest aflatoxin contamination level occurred under the climatic conditions where precipitation was rare and the mean temperature was close to 23 °C, the minimum temperature was approximately 20 °C, and the maximum temperature was about 29 °C. This survey provided valuable information on aflatoxin contamination in pre-harvest peanuts under different agro-environmental conditions in China and laid a foundation for predicting aflatoxin contamination, which would be essential for taking preventive measures to alleviate pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts.