Effect of Novel Zein Coating Combined with Different Antioxidants (Thymol and Carvacrol) on the Aflatoxin Production of Peanut

Abstract

<strong><em>Introduction</em></strong>: Aflatoxin contamination of agricultural crops leads to health hazards and detrimental to the economy. Despite enhanced processing, handling and storage, it remains an issue in the peanut industry. An effort was made to investigate the efficacy of corn zein coating combined with thymol and carvacrol as the edible coating may extend aflatoxinproduction. <strong><em>Method</em></strong><strong>s:</strong> Analysis of aflatoxins B₁, B₂ and total were performed for 11 treatments on coated and uncoated peanuts stored at room temperature for 90 days. Treatments were included zein, thymol (500, 1000, 1500 ppm), carvacrol (5000, 10000, 15000 ppm), incorporating thymol and carvacrol at three different concentrations and control. <strong><em>Result</em></strong><strong>s:</strong> Significant differences between coated and uncoated treatments were observed (p<0.05). The mean of aflatoxins B₁, B₂ and total in treatments with the highest concentration of antioxidant had increased between baseline and 90^th day. While in other treatments the trend was decreasing compared to the control. <strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong>: Coating containing zein showed the best results in terms of preventing aflatoxin formation. So it can be recommended as a suitable coating for peanut, promoting their health benefits.