The present level of aflatoxin in Nigerian groundnut cake ('kulikuli')

Groundnut cake ('kulikuli') purchased from four major markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria were analysed for aflatoxin B, and associated rnycoflora. In all but two of the samples aflatoxin B, concentrations were between 20 pg/kg and 455 pg/ kg. Mould counts were low (1·0 × 10²4·40 × 10² colonies/g). Eight mould species were isolated. Of these Aspergillus niger, Paecilomyces oarioti, Aspergillus flavrs and Fusarium moniliforme dominated in decreasing sequential order. The results obtained show that groundnut cake on sale in Ibadan markets is unacceptable for animal feed rations and human consumption and there is a need for some form of quality control and decontamination before usage.