POTENTIAL PRODUCERS OF AFLATOXIN IN WORKING ENVIRONMENT

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 172  (4-5) , 382-389
Abstract
The amount of viable Aspergillus flavus in the environment of the food-stuff establishment where peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, crushed coconuts, tea and other food-stuffs, imported from tropical and subtropical countries, were processed and packed was determined. In the air of the store-hall, 3.73 .times. 102/m3 was found; in the air of the working-halls, 6.2 .times. 103/m3 was found. From samples of sedimented dust, 0.4 .times. 101-1.3 .times. 104 colonies of A. flavus/g were found. From 57 investigated strains, 64.9% produced aflatoxin B1. A professional risk for workers of some establishments during the manipulation of food-stuffs or feeds contaminated with germs of toxic molds and mycotoxins was discussed.