Aflatoxins in pistachio spread produced and commercialised in Southern Italy

In this study, the presence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in 135 samples of pistachio spreads, marketed and produced from 2016 to 2020 in Southern Italy, was determined by a validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detection method. The obtained results showed variable contamination across the years, with a significant increase in 2020 for AFB1 and AFG1 (p < 0.05), showing mean levels of 1.85 ± 4.45 μg/Kg and 1.46 ± 3.24 μg/Kg, respectively, probably influenced by disruptions in the supply chain and storage practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. In only one sample from 2020 the EU maximum limit of 10 µg/kg for total AFs was exceeded, which was a new finding for the presence of AFs in this type of processed product. The results emphasise the need for enhanced monitoring and control measures, especially during health crises.