Occurrence of aflatoxins in cashew nuts produced in northeastern brazil

Samples of cashew nuts produced in northeastern Brazil were evaluated using monitoring system by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay - ELISA for detection and quantification of the level of total aflatoxins (B-1, B-2, G(1) and G(2)). The data show that a total of 70 samples analyzed, only two (2.8%) showed contamination to levels above EU MRL (4 mu g kg(-1)). Only one sample analyzed showed level of total aflatoxins above the MRL (20 mu g kg(-1)) established by Brazilian Regulations. According to the results the incidence of aflatoxin contamination in Brazilian cashew nuts has decreased during the period 2010 -2012. Programs for monitoring the level of mycotoxins in foods should be implemented continuously to ensure food security to the population. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.