Hygienic-sanitary quality and toxigenic potential of isolated peanut fungi marketed in establishments in the region of Campinas

• Grant number: 22/05919-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Nathalia Cristina Cirone Silva
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Scomparin Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Despite its low cost and nutritional advantages, peanuts are also of concern in relation to Foodborne Diseases, with reported Salmonella outbreaks. In addition, fungi of the Aspergillus species, responsible for developing mycotoxins called aflatoxins, have also been observed. These mycotoxins, when accumulated in the body, can lead to cancer and other diseases such as liver cirrhosis and acute necrosis. This toxin develops during processing or storage where proper care is not taken. In addition to Salmonella and Aspergillus, another microorganism that can also be associated with legumes and even is used as a hygiene parameter is Escherichia coli, a ubiquitous bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality of peanuts commercialized in the region of Campinas, and to evaluate the toxigenic potential of the isolated Aspergillus. (AU)