The effect of a formulation containing butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and
propyl paraben (PP) on total mycoflora and Aspergillus section Flavi populations in natural and inoculated
stored peanuts was evaluated. A survey of 480 peanut samples was carried out from July to December 2006.
Two experimental units (silos 1 and 2) contained 200 kg of natural peanuts, while the other two (silos 3 and
4) had 200 kg of peanuts inoculated with Aspergillus flavus/A. parasiticus mixture (2×104 spores g−1). Silos 2
and 4 were treated with BHA-PP-BHT mixture (1802+1802+2204 μg g−1). Fungal counts were significantly
affected (Pb0.001) by Aspergillus section Flavi inoculum, tissue type, sampling period, antioxidant treatment
and their interactions. Penicillium, Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. were the most common genera identified
from both peanut tissues. Aspergillus flavus was the most frequently isolated species and there were
significant differences (Pb0.05) between its population in the control and treated peanuts. No aflatoxins
were detected in any of the control or treated samples during storage. The development of natural peanut
mycoflora and particularly Aspergillus section Flavi populations was inhibited by the ternary mixture of foodgrade
antioxidants.