Comparative evaluation of aflatoxin concentrations in edible oils obtained using different extraction techniques: a model study with peanut and sunflower seeds
Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13197-026-06969-1
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Food Science and Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, BIOSIS, Compendex, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, INSPEC, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Aflatoxin, Edible oils, Extraction methods, Food safety, Peanut, Sunflower
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, frequently contaminate oilseeds such as peanuts and sunflower seeds, posing significant food safety concerns. These toxins can transfer into edible oils during extraction, depending on the method used. This study evaluated the transfer of aflatoxins from artificially contaminated peanuts and sunflower seeds into oil using three extraction methods: cold pressing, cold pressing after roasting, and hexane solvent extraction. Aflatoxin-free seeds were spiked with total aflatoxin concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/kg, and aflatoxins in the extracted oils were quantified using HPLC-FLD. Cold pressing resulted in the highest relative aflatoxin concentrations, reaching 26.9% of the initial concentration in peanut oil and 57.7% in sunflower oil. In contrast, hexane solvent extraction resulted in the lowest relative concentrations, corresponding to 20.6% and 18.2% of the initial concentration in peanut and sunflower oils, respectively. These findings indicate that, under the experimental conditions investigated, hexane solvent extraction resulted in the lowest observed relative aflatoxin concentrations in the extracted oils. Considering the health risks and the difficulty of removing aflatoxins once present, preventive measures during oilseed processing and storage are essential. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate extraction methods and proper seed handling to ensure food safety.