Aflatoxin testing is conducted at certain points in the production, storage and processing process. For example, a aggregator might test when he buys from a farmer, and a processor might test when nuts are removed from storage. It is important to test at the right points along the value chain to protect consumers.
Determining an accurate aflatoxin concentration involves three steps:
- Collecting a sample from the lot to be tested
- Preparing the sample
- Testing the sample to determine the aflatoxin concentration
The test result can then be used as the best estimate of the lot concentration, and compared to the regulatory limit to accept or reject the lot.
