Thirteen-year surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in nuts and nut products in Kenya (2012–2024)

Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts and tree nuts remains a persistent public health and food safety concern across Africa, including Kenya. Associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, acute toxicity, and exacerbation of conditions such as hepatitis B, aflatoxins pose severe health risks and significant economic burdens. This study provides a 13-year (2012–2024) evaluation of total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 in peanut kernels, peanut butter, cashew nuts, and macadamia nuts in Kenya. A total of 2,178 data points were analyzed for conformity with national (10 μg/kg) and international Codex (15 μg/kg) regulatory limits. Peanut kernels exhibited the lowest compliance, ranging from 50–62% (10 μg/kg) and 50–66% (15 μg/kg). Peanut butter performed moderately better, with compliance levels of 61–86% and 65–89%, respectively. In contrast, cashew and macadamia nuts consistently demonstrated >95% compliance across all years, with macadamia achieving 100% compliance. Although compliance rates were slightly higher under the Codex standard, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference ( p > 0.05). These findings highlight the critical need to strengthen surveillance systems beyond formal markets to include informal outlets and farm-level production, particularly for peanuts. Enhanced pre- and post-harvest management, together with coordinated value chain interventions and stakeholder collaboration, will be essential to reducing aflatoxin risks and safeguarding both public health and trade in Kenya's nut sector.