The aflatoxin B1 content of peanut-based foods in Iran: a systematic review.

BACKGROUNDS: One of the common consumed snacks among Iranian is nuts. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the rate of peanut contamination with aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) in different provinces of the Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research studies with keywords "aflatoxin B1", "peanut", "peanut butter", "peanut oil", "coated peanut", "roasted peanut", "snack peanut" were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and scientific information databases (SID), regardless of publication time. A total of 43 studies were obtained and only six articles were finally selected according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) were also calculated to evaluate the oral exposure of AfB1 through peanuts and peanut-based products.

RESULTS: The contamination of AFB1 in peanut was high in Mashhad and Tehran compared with the other cities. The value of MOE was calculated less than 10,000. The results of MOE indicate that there are chances of the risk of developing cancer and these products may not be safe. Therefore, AFB1 levels should be measured regularly in peanut products in large cities.