First Report of Safe Italian Peanut Production Regarding Aflatoxin

The growing interest in peanut production in Italy represents a significant opportunity from both an agronomic and economic standpoint. Aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB1) contamination is a major concern with imported peanuts; developing an Italian peanut supply chain can ensure a well-manag...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Matteo Crosta, Michele Croci, Chiara Dall’Asta, Michele Pisante, Paola Battilani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Toxins
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/2/90
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Summary:The growing interest in peanut production in Italy represents a significant opportunity from both an agronomic and economic standpoint. Aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB1) contamination is a major concern with imported peanuts; developing an Italian peanut supply chain can ensure a well-managed local product, with special care for food safety. This study aimed to provide a first overview of Italian peanut production, focusing on the <i>Aspergillus</i> section <i>Flavi</i> and AFB1 occurrence in the raw product. During 2022 and 2023, 18 peanut fields were sampled at complete maturity across the Italian production areas, considering three varieties: Lotos, SIS-AR_01, and IPG914. The results showed the occurrence of <i>Aspergillus</i> sec. <i>Flavi</i> in peanut pods, even though AFB1 was always absent or in traces, well below the European legal limits. These findings confirmed the quality of Italian peanut production, even though further research is requested to confirm the positive results of this first report.
ISSN:2072-6651