Reduction of aflatoxin levels in cottonseed and peanut meals by ozonization

Abstract

Abstract Cottonseed and peanut meals were treated with ozone to destroy or eliminate aflatoxins. High meal moistures (cottonseed 22%, peanut 30%), high temperature (100C), and longer treatment times favored inactivation as measured by thin‐layer chromatography. Aflatoxins B 1 and G 1 were readily destroyed by the ozone processes whereas aflatoxin B 2 appeared relatively resistant. In cottonseed meal, 91% of the total aflatoxins was destroyed in 2 hr, a decrease from 214 to 20 ppb; in peanut meal, 78% was destroyed in 1 hr, a decrease from 82 to 18 ppb. In both meals, aflatoxin B 1 was totally inactivated within the times specified.