Chemical inactivation of aflatoxins in peanut and cottonseed meals

Organic and inorganic reagents have been tested for destruction or inactivation of the aflatoxins present in peanut and cottonseed meals. The treatments were made in a special laboratory-scale reactor, and were evaluated by determination of the aflatoxins in the products by thin layer chromatography. In some instances, a larger pilot-plant scale reactor was used. Ammonia, methylamine, sodium hydroxide and formaldehyde reduced aflatoxin levels and appear practical for large scale treatments. Effects of various reaction parameters including time, temperature and moisture content on the efficiency of these reagents are presented.