Aflatoxin Reduction and Enrichement of Calcium in Peanut Butter Through Nixtamalization: Case Study Eneza Products

Abstract

Peanuts are globally recognized as a significant protein source and are often lauded as a superfood. Despite their widespread consumption, Kenya, a major importer of peanuts, lacks comprehensive knowledge about aflatoxin contamination in these legumes. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of vendors and processors and aflatoxin reduction and enrichment of calcium in peanut butter through nixtamalization: A case study Eneza Products. The research employs a cross-sectional survey methodology complemented by an experimental component. To determine the sample size, the Fischer’s formula was used, and data was collected through structured questionnaires. A total of 70 market vendors and 20 processing staff were interviewed, and the survey delved into their understanding of aflatoxins and the precautionary measures they employ to mitigate peanut contamination. Practical handling methods were also inquired about to evaluate the translation of knowledge into action. Using a systematic random sampling technique, a representative sample of 35 raw peanut samples was selected from the population of 70 market vendors. These samples were then subjected to ELISA analysis to determine initial aflatoxin levels. The survey results indicated that the average knowledge assessment score among vendors was 55.5%, while processing staff achieved an average score of 60.5%, with a median score of 78.9%. In terms of safety practices, an overall low score of 30% (with a median of 20%) was recorded. Notably, 99% of the vendors sourced peanuts from countries outside Kenya, mainly from Malawi, and only a limited 45% demonstrated awareness of the adverse impact of aflatoxins on human health. In the context of nixtamalization, the findings revealed that the average concentration of total aflatoxins in peanuts initially exceeded the accepted safety limit, with 71% of the samples failing to meet the standards. However, nixtamalization led to a substantial reduction in aflatoxin levels by 49%, 48%, and 50% after treatment durations of 4, 8, and 16 minutes, respectively. Furthermore, calcium content increased with an extended period of exposure. The discernibly modest knowledge scores highlighted that both vendors and processors lacked comprehensive insights into optimal peanut handling practices. A chi-square test of independence conducted on the data demonstrated a positive relationship between education and knowledge scores of the participants (P=0.003) and the practices of vendors (P=0.023). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Two-sample T-tests, affirmed significant distinctions between initial and final mean aflatoxin levels post-treatment, as well as variations between treatments. The study also observed a significant variation in calcium levels between the different time treatments, supported by linear regression analysis, which revealed a strong correlation between time treatments and calcium levels (R2=0.83, P=0.011). Furthermore, the analysis

indicated significant differences in mean moisture contents across various treatments (P=0.000), and a linear relationship between mean moisture content and exposure time (P=0.02). In conclusion, the results underscore the lack of knowledge and good hanling practices by peanut vendors and processors and the positive impact of nixtamalization in reducing aflatoxin levels and enhancing calcium content in peanuts. Concerted effort are needed to educate and inform, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the looming threat posed by aflatoxins