How to Reduce Exposure

Farmers and agriculture workers growing crops that can lead to aflatoxins must follow regulations set by the government to prevent contamination of the crops and food. Prevention includes “rigorous cleaning, shelling, sorting, and blanching (removal of peanut skins)… random checks of products… and [removal] of products from sale that fail food safety standards.” Individuals can reduce their risk of exposure by only purchasing major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters. It is also important to check purchased products, especially shelled peanuts, and dispose of them if they appear moldy, discolored, or shriveled. As of 2018, no outbreak of human illness caused by aflatoxins has been reported in the US.