Dry roasted peanuts are being recalled by a company in New England according to information recently posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The voluntary recall involves multiple states and was initiated due to concerns that the product may contain high levels of aflatoxin.

Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin, secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi. The FDA reports that aflatoxins are notorious for the many health consequences that occur from the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food, including aflatoxicosis and liver damage. The agency also states that aflatoxins are a known carcinogen and their presence in food should be restricted to the lowest practical level. With regards to the contamination of animal feeds, aflatoxins are also known to cause liver failure in livestock and these animals can transfer the toxins to meat, milk, and eggs, resulting in potential human exposure.

“FDA specifically mentions peanuts, as well as tree nuts, corn, and small grains, as foods susceptible to aflatoxin contamination,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The growth of fungi that can produce aflatoxins on food products is influenced by a number of environmental factors. These may include temperature, humidity, and the extent of rainfall during the pre-harvesting, harvesting, or post-harvesting periods. The FDA may consider peanuts and peanut products containing total aflatoxins greater than 20 micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg) or parts per billion (ppb), except raw peanuts that will be further processed to remove moldy and otherwise defective nuts, to be adulterated.”

EMSL's food scientists offer a wide range of mycotoxin testing services for various human foods and animal feeds. EMSL Analytical assists farmers, food manufacturers, processors, and importers by providing testing services that can limit the potential for any health hazards that would affect the consumer.

To learn more about mycotoxins or other food and feed testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

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