Search

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity that has been used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, hence its quality should be monitored. The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify Critical Control Points (CCP) in nutmeg’s postharvest handling process and prepare nutmeg HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) System and 2) provide a recommendation on GHP (Good Handling Practices) of nutmeg in order to maintain its quality in relation to food safety issue which is very important for international trade. Ripe fruits of nutmeg were collected after the fruits had reached maturity and fallen from their trees. A paranet was placed under each nutmeg tree to prevent the ripe nutmeg fruits from falling on the ground. The subsequent processes were taking out the nutmeg seeds from the fruits and separating the nutmeg seeds from the pulps and maces. After that, the nutmeg seeds underwent the drying process by using the smoke- and oven-dried methods until the moisture content of the nutmeg seeds was reduced by 10%. Subsequently, the nutmeg seeds were divided into two parts, prior to the storing process. The first part was fumigated by using phosphine (2 g/m3) for eight days and the second part was not fumigated. The sampling of nutmeg seeds was conducted at the beginning of storage and after four months of storage. The parameters observed were moisture content, percentage of damaged kernels, the population of each fungal species, and aflatoxin content. The results showed that moisture content, fungal population, aflatoxin B1, and total aflatoxin contents of nutmeg kernels having been dried by using the smoke- and oven-dried methods with and without fumigation still complied with the requirements related to food safety, although the nutmegs were stored for four months. The results of this research could also determine the Critical Control Point (CCP) in the postharvest handling process of nutmegs, i.e., 1) choosing only ripe nutmeg fruits to be harvested; 2) harvesting method by preventing the ripe nutmeg fruits from falling on the ground; 3) drying process of nutmeg seeds should be conducted immediately after separating the nutmegs from the maces by using the smoke- or oven-dried methods; and 4) nutmeg seeds were stored with the shells.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the second highest-producing country of coffee beans after Vietnam. Consequently, Indonesia competes with other countries in producing good quality coffee beans. However, not many people have sufficient skills in tackling problems related to the postharvest handling of these coffee beans. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) beans in terms of moisture content, fungal infection (especially ochratoxin A or OTA producing fungi), OTA contamination, and the taste of the coffee during storage. The three processing methods used were dry, wet, and semi-wet methods. The beans were packed using two types of packaging materials, i.e. Kantong Semar high gas barrier and polypropylene bags (4 kg/bag). They were then stored under warehouse conditions during 4 months of storage. The moisture content of coffee beans processed using the three methods and packed using polypropylene bags was higher than that of coffee beans packed using Kantong Semar high gas barrier; however, it was still lower than the safe moisture content for coffee determined by the Indonesian National Standard (12.5%). Aspergillus niger was found in coffee processed using the three methods and packed using a Kantong Semar high gas barrier. Its population was relatively low (< 0.1 x 10 cfu/g wet basis). Aspergillus ochraceus was found in coffee processed using dry and wet methods at the beginning of storage. Its population was also relatively low (< 0.3 x 10 cfu/g w.b. OTA content was not detected in all coffee samples, because it was lower than the detection limit of the instrument used (< 1.85 ppb). At the beginning of the storage, all coffee samples were dominated by yeast with the population of 1.9 x 102 – 1.2 x 103 cfu/g w.b. The taste of coffee in various treatments during 4 months of storage was still above the total standard score for specialty grade ≥ 80. The highest total score (84) was found in coffee beans processed using a dry method and packed in Kantong Semar high gas barrier. The three processing methods and the two types of packaging materials can be used to maintain the quality of coffee beans during 4 months of storage. Keywords: Arabica coffee beans, processing methods, quality, types of packaging materials

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer after Brazil, Vietnam, and Columbia, in which one of its well-known coffee originates from the Toraja region, South Sulawesi. As such, Indonesia has to compete with these countries in producing good quality coffee beans. Consequently, this research aimed (a) to obtain information on the postharvest handling methods of Arabica coffee (C. arabica) beans in Tana Toraja, North Toraja Regencies, and Makassar Municipality, Indonesia, and (b) to investigate the occurrence of fungi (including ochratoxin A producing fungi) in stored Arabica coffee beans collected from various stages of the delivery chain. The data collection process included surveys, interviews, and sample collections conducted in May and July 2016 at each level of the delivery chain. The moisture content (MC) and the physical quality of the beans were also measured to determine its quality. Sixty-four (64) coffee bean samples were collected, consisting of 27 samples from the farmers, 15 samples from the collectors, 13 samples from the traders, and 9 samples from the exporters. The results showed that the moisture contents of coffee beans collected from the farmers and bean collectors (42.5%) were significantly higher than the maximum tolerable limit determined by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) (13%), while the MC of the beans from the traders and exporters (9.7-10.9%) was significantly lower. Based on the total defective values, coffee beans from the farmers had more diverse grades (1-6) than those at other levels. Penicillium citrinum was the dominant fungus found in those beans collected from the farmers, collectors, and traders, while Aspergillus niger was the dominant fungus found in those beans from the exporters. At trader level, 46% of the samples were infected by Aspergillus ochraceus and A. niger, which are known as ochratoxin A (OTA) producing fungi. At exporter level, 44% of the samples were infected by A. ochraceus, while 78% of the samples were infected by A. niger. Thus, the postharvest handling methods conducted especially by farmers and collectors of Arabica coffee beans should be improved to reduce the moisture content and to increase the grade quality of the coffee beans.

was the predominant species in producing fumonisin on agricultural products. Fumonisisn B1 (FB1) is the most abundant fumonisin in nature and the most toxic than other fumonisin. The main factors affecting the growth of and production of fumonisin are temperature and humidity. This research aimed to assess the effect of changes in temperature and humidity on the growth of and FB1 production on maize and soybeans medium. Maize and soybeans that have inoculated with suspension Bio 957 were incubated at 20, 30 and 40 °C with 70, 80 and 90% of humidity for 14 days. Observations of growth made by weighing the cells mass and analysis of FB1 production performed by HPLC. The results showed that the highest growth of Bio 957 in maize and soybeans was occurred at temperature 30 °C and 90% of humidity, the cell mass weights were 904,5 and 885,5 mg per 20 g of maize and soybeans respectively. The highest concentration of FB1 in maize and soybeans were 374 and 67 pbb respectively, observed at temperature 30 °C for maize and 20 °C for soybeans, both at same humidity (90%). The results showed that Bio 957 was able to grow well and produced the highest concentrations of FB1 in maize and soybeans at a temperature of 20 and 30 °C with 90% of humidity. At a temperature of 40 °C with 70, 80 and 90% of humidity, the growth of was not observed, therefore FB1 formation was avoided. Keywords: Fumonisin B1, Bio 957, humidity, temperature ABSTRAK adalah spesies yang dominan dalam memproduksi fumonisin pada produk-produk pertanian. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) merupakan fumonisin yang paling banyak ditemukan di alam dan paling toksik dibandingkan jenis fumonisin lainnya. Faktor ekstrinsik utama yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan produksi FB1 adalah suhu dan kelembaban. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh suhu dan kelembaban terhadap pertumbuhan Bio 957 dan produksi FB1 pada media jagung dan kedelai. Jagung dan kedelai yang telah diiinokulasi dengan suspensi Bio 957 diinkubasi pada suhu 20, 30 dan 40 °C dengan kelembaban 70, 80 dan 90% selama 14 hari. Pengamatan pertumbuhan dilakukan dengan penimbangan massa sel dan analisis konsentrasi FB1 dilakukan dengan HPLC. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pertumbuhan Bio 957 pada jagung dan kedelai paling tinggi terjadi pada suhu 30 °C dan kelembaban 90%, berat massa selnya yaitu 904,5 dan 885,5 mg per 20 g masing-masing jagung dan kedelai. Konsentrasi FB1 paling tinggi pada jagung dan kedelai masing-masing yaitu 374 dan 67 ppb, pengamatan pada suhu 30 °C pada jagung dan 20 °C pada kedelai, keduanya pada kelembaban yang sama (90%). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Bio 957 mampu tumbuh dengan baik dan menghasilkan konsentrasi FB1 paling tinggi pada jagung dan kedelai pada suhu 20 dan 30 °C dengan kelembaban 90%. Pada suhu 40 °C dengan kelembaban 70, 80 dan 90%, Bio 957 tidak menunjukkan adanya pertumbuhan, sehingga pembentukan FB1 dapat dihindari. Kata kunci: Fumonisin B1, Bio 957, kelembaban, suhu

ABSTRACT Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity that has been used in food industry and medicine, hence its quality should be monitored. The objectives of the research were to obtain informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province and to investigate the occurrence of fungi (included A. flavus) and aflatoxin contamination in stored nutmeg collected from farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province. Moisture content and percentage of damaged kernels were also investigated, because they affect fungal infection. Surveys and obtaining samples of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain were done in April and May 2013, in three regencies (North Minahasa, Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) and Sangihe Talaud) and two cities (Bitung and Manado). Interviews were conducted during the surveys to collect informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain. The total number of nutmeg samples collected from different point of the delivery chain was 76. It consisted of samples collected from farmers (25 samples), collectors (22), and exporters (29). The results showed that in general, the moisture content of nutmeg collected from North Sulawesi province was not higher than the maximum limit of moisture content determineted by SNI (10%). In general, nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors had high percentage of damaged kernels. Aspergillus niger and Endomyces fibuliger were the dominant fungi infecting nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors, while Eurotium repens was the dominant fungus infecting nutmeg collected from exporters. Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin contents in nutmeg collected from farmers and exporters were relatively high. Based on the results of this study, the method of postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province (North Minahasa, Sitaro and Sangihe Talaud regencies, Bitung and Manado cities) should be improved to minimize aflatoxin contamination.  Keywords : aflatoxin, fungi, Myristica fragrans Houtt., nutmeg, North Sulawesi province, delivery chain Â

A research on dietary exposure assessment for aflatoxin B (AFB1) from processed peanutproducts in Municipality of Bogor was carried out. The objectives of this study were todetermine the contents of AFB1 in processed peanut products at retail levels, and to obtaininformation whether there is a risk to public health caused by the consumption of processedpeanut products contaminated by AFB1. Survey of processed peanut product consumptionwas carried out by interviewing each respondent using a questionnaire of weekly processedpeanut product consumption. Sampling of processed peanut products was conducted at thelocations where the respondents obtained processed peanut products. The number of roastedpeanuts with skin pods, flour-coated peanuts and or sauces samples was 33,respectively, while the number of and sauces samples was 18 and 12, respectively.The total number of processed peanut product samples was 129. AFB1content was determinedusing Thin Layer Chromatography method. Estimation of the dietary exposure assessment wasdetermined using the actual survey data consisting of AFB1 content, consumption data andbody weight. The highest contaminated sample percentage and mean of AFB1 content wasfound in roasted peanuts with skin pods i.e. 42% of 33 samples and 43.2 μg/kg, respectively,followed by flour-coated peanuts (30% of 33 samples and 34.3 μg/kg), and or(21% of 33 samples and 17.1 μg/kg). Mean of estimated dietary exposure for AFB1 found inchildren was 15.2 ng kg bw day and 95 percentile exposure was 38.9 ng kg bw day , while inadults 9.0 ng kg bw day and 95 percentile exposure was 27.0 ng kg bw day . The excesscancer risk of AFB1 exposure in Bogor from this study on children and adults was calculated as193 and 115 cancers/year, respectively

A research on dietary exposure assessment for aflatoxin B (AFB1) from processed peanutproducts in Municipality of Bogor was carried out. The objectives of this study were todetermine the contents of AFB1 in processed peanut products at retail levels, and to obtaininformation whether there is a risk to public health caused by the consumption of processedpeanut products contaminated by AFB1. Survey of processed peanut product consumptionwas carried out by interviewing each respondent using a questionnaire of weekly processedpeanut product consumption. Sampling of processed peanut products was conducted at thelocations where the respondents obtained processed peanut products. The number of roastedpeanuts with skin pods, flour-coated peanuts and or sauces samples was 33,respectively, while the number of and sauces samples was 18 and 12, respectively.The total number of processed peanut product samples was 129. AFB1content was determinedusing Thin Layer Chromatography method. Estimation of the dietary exposure assessment wasdetermined using the actual survey data consisting of AFB1 content, consumption data andbody weight. The highest contaminated sample percentage and mean of AFB1 content wasfound in roasted peanuts with skin pods i.e. 42% of 33 samples and 43.2 μg/kg, respectively,followed by flour-coated peanuts (30% of 33 samples and 34.3 μg/kg), and or(21% of 33 samples and 17.1 μg/kg). Mean of estimated dietary exposure for AFB1 found inchildren was 15.2 ng kg bw day and 95 percentile exposure was 38.9 ng kg bw day , while inadults 9.0 ng kg bw day and 95 percentile exposure was 27.0 ng kg bw day . The excesscancer risk of AFB1 exposure in Bogor from this study on children and adults was calculated as193 and 115 cancers/year, respectively

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical quality, Aspergillus flavus population and aflatoxin B1 content of raw peanut kernels collected from retailers in two traditional markets (pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor) in the city of Bogor in August 2009. The number of samples collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 14 and 12, respectively. Physical quality of kernels was determined based on the percentage of intact, shriveled and damaged kernels. Damaged kernels consisted of broken and damaged kernels caused by insect or fungal attack. Aspergillus flavus population was determined using serial dilution method followed by pour plating method on aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar. Aflatoxin B1 content was determined using thin layer chromatography method. The results showed, that the mean of percentage of intact, shriveled and damaged kernels of peanuts collected from pasar Anyar was 70.6, 12.3 and 17.1%, respectively; while that of collected from pasar Bogor was 60.2, 12.7 and 27.1%, respectively. The mean of A. flavus populations in peanuts collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 8194 cfu g-1 and 983 cfu g-1, respectively. The mean of aflatoxin B1 content in peanuts collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 2.0 ppb and 91.4 ppb, respectively. The percentage of peanut samples containing aflatoxin B1 more than 15 ppb and collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 7.1% and 25%, respectively.

The objectives of this study were to get informations on the population of A. flavus and aflatoxin B1 content of five processed peanut products collected from retailers in Kecamatan Bogor Tengah (Subdistrict of Central Bogor), Municipality of Bogor. A total of 129 samples of processed peanut products was collected. They consisted of roasted peanuts with skin pods (33 samples), flour-coated peanuts (33), siomay sauce (18), pecel/gado-gado sauce (33) and satai sauce (12). A sample each of 2 000 g roasted peanuts with skin pods as well as flour-coated peanuts, and a sample each of 1 500 g siomay sauce, pecel/gado-gado sauce as well as satai sauce was mixed homogenously. It was then divided two times manually to obtain working samples to determine A. flavus population, AFB1 content and a reserve sample. Peanut kernels of roasted peanuts with skin pods and flour-coated peanuts were obtained by peeling their skin pods and the batter coat of tapioca flour manually, respectively. Aspergillus flavus in peanut processed products was isolated using a serial dilution method, followed by pour plate method on Aspergillus Flavus and Parasiticus Agar (AFPA). AFB1 content was determined using Thin Layer Chromatography method. Two replicates were used for each sample. The results showed that the population of A. flavus in roasted peanuts with skin pods, flour-coated peanuts, siomay sauce, pecel/gado-gado sauce and satai sauce were 0.3, 0.1, 0.3, 13.2 and 0.4 cfu/g (wet basis), respectively. The highest AFB1 content of processed peanut products (43.2 ppb) was found in roasted peanuts with skin pods, followed by flour-coated peanuts (34.3 ppb), satai sauce (23.2 ppb), pecel/gado-gado sauce (17.1 ppb) and siomay sauce (4.4 ppb). Key words : Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1, processed peanut products, Municipality of Bogor

The effects of fermentation on Ephestia cautella population and cocoa bean s quality in terms of moisture content, fungal population, the percentage of insect-damaged and mouldy beans, lipid and free fatty acid contents during storage were investigated together with the effects of £. cautella infestation on the quality of stored cocoa beans and weight loss. Fermented and unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% were placed in ventilated plastic jars (Ikg/jar) and stored for 6 months under room conditions. Seven larvae of £. cautella instar IV (2 males and 5 females) were introduced in each jar at the beginning of storage. Untreated jars contained only cocoa beans. Population of £. cautella on fermented cocoa beans with either initial moisture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The population either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 7% was lower than that of 9%, and the population of all treatments increased during storage. Moisture content of all treatments either on cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% had the same pattern. The percentage of insect-damaged beans on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented cocoa beans after 5 to 6 months of storage. The damaged beans on fermented cocoa after 6 months of storage was not different than on unfermented beans after 4 months of storage. The weig ht loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 9% was higher than that with initial moisture content of 7%. The weight loss on fermented cocoa beans either with mois ture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The weight loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans increased during storage. The percentage of mouldy beans on cocoa infested with £. cautella tended to increase during storage, while on beans not infested with the insect it fluctuated during storage. The highest percentage of mouldy beans was on unfermented and infested cocoa beans. Twenty-one fungal species were isolated from all treatments of coco a beans during storage. The total fungal population on fermented and unfermented beans had the same pattern. The population on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented beans. Total lipid content on fermented cocoa beans either infested or not with £. cautella having initial moisture content of 7 or 9%, was lower than that of unfermented beans. The content either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans and either infested or not decreased during storage. Free fatty acid content on cocoa beans infested with £. cautella was higher and significantly different than that on not infested. The content for both types increased during storage.

The objectives of this study were to collect informations on the method of postharvest handling of sorghum and to investigate the moisture contents, insects infestation, fungal infection, and aflatoxin B contents of stored sorghum grains collected from various stages of the delivery chain in Demak and Wonogiri regencies, Central Java. In Demak regency sorghum cultivation was monoculture, variety cultivated was UPC-S1. In Wonogiri regency sorghum cultivation was intercropping with secondary crop and cassava. Sorghum varieties cultivated were Kawali, Numbu, ZH30, Mandau and Hibrida hybrids. There was a difference between the method of postharvest handling of sorghum at farmer and collector levels in Demak andWonogiri regencies. In general the method of postharvest handling of sorghum in Demak regency was more appropriate and more advance compared to that in Wonogiri regency. The moisture contents of sorghum at farmer as well as at collector level in Demak regency (13.0%) and Wonogiri regency (12.9%) were still lower that that of normal (safe) moisture content of sorghum. The number of insect species associated with sorghum in various distribution level in Demak andWonogiri regencies was 10 and 17 species, respectively. The dominant insects species were and . The number of fungal species found in sorghum at various distribution level in Demak andWonogiri regencies was 23 species, respectively. In general, the dominant fungal species were , and . In Demak regency aflatoxin B contents of sorghum at farmer and collector levels were 22.50 and 15.45 ppb, respectively, while in Wonogiri regency 2.27 and 10.28 ppb, respectively. insects, fungi, aflatoxin B , stored sorghum, Demak and Wonogiri regencies, Central Java

The effects of fermentation on Ephestia cautella population and cocoa beans quality in terms of moisture content, fungal population, the percentage of insect-damaged and mouldy beans, lipid and free fatty acid contents during storage were investigated together with the effects of £. cautella infestation on the quality of stored cocoa beans and weight loss. Fermented and unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% were placed in ventilated plastic jars (Ikg/jar) and stored for 6 months under room conditions. Seven larvae of £. cautella instar IV (2 males and 5 females) were introduced in each jar at the beginning of storage. Untreated jars contained only cocoa beans. Population of £. cautella on fermented cocoa beans with either initial moisture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The population either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 7% was lower than that of 9%, and the population of all treatments increased during storage. Moisture content of all treatments either on cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% had the same pattern. The percentage of insect-damaged beans on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented cocoa beans after 5 to 6 months of storage. The damaged beans on fermented cocoa after 6 months of storage was not different than on unfermented beans after 4 months of storage. The weight loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 9% was higher than that with initial moisture content of 7%. The weight loss on fermented cocoa beans either with moisture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The weight loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans increased during storage. The percentage of mouldy beans on cocoa infested with £. cautella tended to increase during storage, while on beans not infested with the insect it fluctuated during storage. The highest percentage of mouldy beans was on unfermented and infested cocoa beans. Twenty-one fungal species were isolated from all treatments of cocoa beans during storage. The total fungal population on fermented and unfermented beans had the same pattern. The population on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented beans. Total l ipid content on fermented cocoa beans either infested or not with £. cautella having initial moisture content of 7 or 9%, was lower than that of unfermented beans. The content either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans and either infested or not decreased during storage. Free fatty acid content on cocoa beans infested with £. cautella was higher and significantly different than that on not infested. The content for both types increased during storage. Key Words :  Cocoa beans / Fermentation / Ephestia cautella I Moisture content / Fungal population / Insect-damaged beans / Mouldy beans / Lipid / Free fatty acid.

As a part of an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project on management of aflatoxin in Indonesia and Australia (PHT 97/017), a survey on pre- and postharvest handling of peanuts at farmer, collector retailer levels, including Aspergillus flavus  infection and aflatoxin B1 contamination of peanuts collected in Wonogiri regency, Central Java, was conducted during the harvest period of the wet (February 2003) and dry (June 2003) seasons. Interviews using questionnaires, with farmers, collectors and retailers concerning pre- and post-harvest handling of peanuts were carried out. The moisture contents and physical quality of the peanut kernels were also determined. During the wet and dry seasons, fresh pod samples were collected from farmer fields (24 samples), dry raw pod samples from collector (24 samples) and raw kernel samples from retailer levels (54 samples). Thus, during each season 102 samples of various kinds of peanuts were collected for analysis. The A. flavus infection in kernel samples of peanuts collected from retailers were the highest, followed by samples collected from collectors and farmers. The A. flavus infection in kernel samples collected during the dry season was in general lower than in the wet season. It was alarming to note that all most all samples of raw kernel samples collected from retailers were infected by A. flavus during the wet and dry seasons. In general aflatoxin B1 levels in peanut samples collected in the wet season were higher than the dry season. During the wet and dry seasons, the aflatoxin B1 contents in retailer samples were the highest, followed by those collected from collectors and farmers. During the wet season, around 4, 17 and 33% of peanut samples collected from farmers, collectors and retailers, were respectively contaminated with more than 15 ppb of aflatoxin B1. During the dry season, around 42 and 74% of peanut samples collected from collectors and retailers, were respectively contaminated with more than 15 ppb of aflatoxin B1, while aflatoxin levels in wet raw pod samples collected from farmers were less than 15 ppb. In 2003 Codex Alimentarius Commission has determined a maximum level of total aflatoxins in peanuts intended for further processing at 15 ppb.