3. Results and discussion
The combined effects of a w, storage temperature and headspace oxygen over a
3-week period on the growth of, and aflatoxin production, by A. flat;us on sterile
peanuts packaged in a high gas barrier film are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Slight to
extensive mold growth was evident during the first week of storage in all packaged
peanuts. In most treatment combinations, mold growth either increased slightly,
remained constant or decreased during the second and third week of storage.
Growth was enhanced in peanuts with a high a w and packaged in a reduced
headspace oxygen concentration (5-10%, v/v). Most of these packaged peanuts
had an unpleasant odor after 2-3 weeks of storage when opened which was
attributed to oxidative rancidity. The trend in growth changes with time can be