The UK Food Standards Agency has published the results of its latest research, which includes a comparison of aflatoxin contamination levels in Brazil nuts kernels and their shells.
The study results revealed that initially aflatoxin contamination occurs on the shell, with little contamination on the kernel.
However, as the infection increases, the level of contamination on the kernel increases dramatically, while the contamination of the shells remains at a relatively low level.
The agency is working on developing a conversion factor which could allow the estimation of aflatoxins levels in the kernel when the concentration in the whole nut is measured.
The latest research also included a study evaluating the levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in samples of fruit and vegetables grown in the UK, using laser ablation mass spectrometry.
According to the FSA, the levels of metals identified in this study do not increase concern about risk to human health.
