A Scoping Review and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Rice, Maize, and Peanut-Based Products Across
Siti Soleha Ab Dullah1, Nurul Izzah Ahmad2, Nurfatehar Ramly3
1Toxicology and Pharmacology Unit, Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Persiaran Setia Murni, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in rice, maize, and peanuts poses a public health risk in ASEAN countries. Most Margin of Exposure (MOE) values indicate concern, highlighting the need for regional management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Toxicology
- Public health
Background:
- Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a known liver carcinogen found in staple foods.
- Tropical regions are particularly susceptible to AFB1 contamination in food supplies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and quantify AFB1 contamination in rice, maize, and peanuts across ASEAN nations.
- To estimate chronic dietary exposure, calculate the Margin of Exposure (MOE), and assess associated liver cancer risks.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across five databases.
- Calculation of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and risk metrics using weighted means and consumption data.
- Risk characterization incorporating Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL10) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence.
Main Results:
- Twenty studies from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines were included.
- Peanuts and maize showed the highest AFB1 contamination, particularly in the Philippines.
- Most MOE values were below 10,000, signaling a significant public health concern, except for peanuts in Thailand.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in AFB1 exposure exist within the ASEAN region.
- Urgent need for enhanced surveillance, improved post-harvest practices, and unified regional risk management strategies to mitigate health risks.
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