Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic secondary metabolite synthesized by different Aspergillus strains. Its harmful properties represent a serious problem to human health. Additionally, it causes serious economic damage in agriculture and food industry. AFB1 can be found in corn, rice, tree nuts, peanuts and dried fruits and can be produced before or during storage. An effective way to control AFB1 in foods is choosing a suitable method for packaging. Some of the polymer materials represent a barrier for gases and moisture, the major factors that have influence on growth of molds. Such polymers are polyethylene-laminated aluminium, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polypropylene and other materials. The effectiveness of different materials against the formation of AFB1 can be increased by adding essential oils and other active compounds. Edible food coatings like chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin film have recently become popular due to their environmentally friendly properties which also become more effective by addition of essential oils. The synthesis of AFB1 can be controlled by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) as well.
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