Reduction of aflatoxin levels in cottonseed and peanut meals by ozonization

Abstract Cottonseed and peanut meals were treated with ozone to destroy or eliminate aflatoxins. High meal moistures (cottonseed 22%, peanut 30%), high temperature (100C), and longer treatment times favored inactivation as measured by thin‐layer chromatography. Aflatoxins B 1 and G 1 were readily destroyed by the ozone processes whereas aflatoxin B 2 appeared relatively resistant. In cottonseed meal, 91% of the total aflatoxins was destroyed in 2 hr, a decrease from 214 to 20 ppb; in peanut meal, 78% was destroyed in 1 hr, a decrease from 82 to 18 ppb. In both meals, aflatoxin B 1 was totally inactivated within the times specified.