Abstract:

Objective To understand the contamination status of aflatoxins B₁ (AFT B₁) in the peanuts on the market in Hefei area, and conduct a dietary exposure risk and health risk assessment of AFT B₁ for reference to develop relevant control measures. Methods The peanut samples were obtained across 9 counties/districts in Hefei City by random sampling method between 2022 and 2023, and subjected to determination of the concentration of AFT B₁ using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, questionnaire response was made in the residents in Hefei area to understand consumption status for the nuts that represented the peanut consumption quantity. Finally, the exposure to AFT B₁ through peanuts among different populations with distinct characteristics was analyzed to estimate the margin of exposure (MOE) and the risk of liver cancer development. Results AFT B₁ was detected in the 79 aliquots of peanuts sampled in Hefei area between 2022 and 2023. The detection rate was 45.57% (36/79), and 13.92% (11/79) of the positive samples exceeded the China national tolerance limit. The nut consumption was (4.61±6.12) g/d for males, and (5.21±6.44) g/d for females, which had no significant difference between genders (t=1.279, P>0.05). The daily nut consumption was (4.90±6.28), (3.53±5.66) and (3.90±6.14) g/d, respectively for population aged 6-17 and 18-59 years as well as those over 60 years. The difference was significant (F=7.134, P<0.01). The estimated daily intake (EDI) was 1.70, 0.99 and 1.04 ng/(kg·d), respectively for population aged 6-17, 18-59 and over 60 years, the MOE was 236, 403 and 385, the liver cancer risk from this exposure was 0.04, 0.03 and 0.03 cancer patient per 100 000 person every year. Upon restricted dietary exposure to AFT B₁, the MOE was 7 003, 11 961 and 11 438, the cancer risk arising from AFT B₁ intake can be decreased to 0.001 5, 0.000 8 and 0.000 9 cancer patient per 100 000 persons every year, respectively for the population group aforementioned. Conclusion AFT B₁ was highly detected in the peanuts on the market in Hefei City, which suggests that full actions should be taken to continuously monitor contamination of AFT B₁ in the peanuts, and relevant authorities shall also take more effective control measures to ensure food security for the residents in Hefei City.

Key words: Aflatoxins B₁, Peanuts, Dietary of exposure, Risk assessment, Hefei City