/Methods Of Reducing Aflatoxin In Nuts
Abstract

The disclosure provides a method of reducing aflatoxin contamination in one or more nuts and/or reducing the amount of Aspergillus flavus and/or Aspergillus parasiticus resulting in the presence of aflatoxin contamination in one or more nuts. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, and peroxide, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with UV light and ozone. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with UV light and peroxide. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ozone and peroxide. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, and peroxide, wherein the nuts have been blanched. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, and ultraviolet (UV) light, optionally wherein the UV light is UV-A light. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched, peeled, and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched, peeled, and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, then contacted with ultraviolet (UV) light and peroxide.

Full Text

What is claimed is:

The disclosure provides a method of reducing aflatoxin contamination in one or more nuts and/or reducing the amount of Aspergillus flavus and/or Aspergillus parasiticus resulting in the presence of aflatoxin contamination in one or more nuts. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, and peroxide, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with UV light and ozone. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with UV light and peroxide. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ozone and peroxide. In an embodiment, nuts are treated with ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, and peroxide, wherein the nuts have been blanched. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, and ultraviolet (UV) light, optionally wherein the UV light is UV-A light. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched, peeled, and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In an embodiment, nuts are blanched, peeled, and then contacted with ozone (O3), peroxide, then contacted with ultraviolet (UV) light and peroxide.
Timeline
Filed
05/21/2026
Published
09/17/2026
Granted
Not Available
IPC Codes(18)
A23B 2/53:with ultraviolet light
A23B 2/60:by treatment with electric currents without heating effect
A23B 2/721:in a controlled atmosphere comprising other gases in addition to CO2, N2, O2 or H2O