Thirteen-year surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in nuts and nut products in Kenya (2012–2024)
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Date
2026-01-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts and tree nuts remains a persistent public
health and food safety concern across Africa, including Kenya. Associated with
hepatocellular carcinoma, acute toxicity, and exacerbation of conditions such as
hepatitis B, aflatoxins pose severe health risks and significant economic burdens.
This study provides a 13-year (2012–2024) evaluation of total aflatoxins and
aflatoxin B1 in peanut kernels, peanut butter, cashew nuts, and macadamia
nuts in Kenya. A total of 2,178 data points were analyzed for conformity
with national (10 μg/kg) and international Codex (15 μg/kg) regulatory limits.
Peanut kernels exhibited the lowest compliance, ranging from 50–62% (10
μg/kg) and 50–66% (15 μg/kg). Peanut butter performed moderately better, with
compliance levels of 61–86% and 65–89%, respectively. In contrast, cashew
and macadamia nuts consistently demonstrated >95% compliance across all
years, with macadamia achieving 100% compliance. Although compliance rates
were slightly higher under the Codex standard, statistical analysis revealed no
significant difference (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the critical need to
strengthen surveillance systems beyond formal markets to include informal
outlets and farm-level production, particularly for peanuts. Enhanced pre- and
post-harvest management, together with coordinated value chain interventions
and stakeholder collaboration, will be essential to reducing aflatoxin risks and
safeguarding both public health and trade in Kenya’s nut sector.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
Abong G, Wanjala G, Njeru N, Kilonzi S, Kiio J, Oloo B, Gekonge D, Misita D, Kiilu F, Chirchir V, Aloo L, Mbogo P, Kindiki M, Waigwa A, Njiraini J, Waswa M, Muthusi D, Wanjiru L, Kirimi P and Kavunja D (2026) Thirteen-year surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in nuts and nut products in Kenya (2012–2024). Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 9:1677074. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1677074