Hazard Analysis
a) Identification of mycotoxin hazard
Aflatoxin is the only mycotoxin hazard for which the region has regulatory limits for groundnuts and, consequently, it is the only mycotoxin considered. It is also the key mycotoxin associated with groundnuts.
b) Identification of steps in the Commodity Flow Diagram (CFD) where mycotoxin contamination is most likely to occur.
Step 1: On farm, pre-harvest
Pre-harvest contamination with aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus moulds is associated with drought stress and insect damage, both of which are difficult to control without access to irrigation and expensive insecticides. Insect damage provides an entry point for mould propagules, which are often carried by the insect itself. Drought stress can also cause pod splitting in the soil, leaving the kernels exposed to the soil microflora.