NOVEL APPROACHES TO SUPPRESS FUNGAL GROWTH IN ARABICA COFFEE: AFLATOXIN RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Polyketide-derived secondary metabolites, notably aflatoxins, pose significant health risks due to their highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties for higher vertebrates and other animals. These compounds are predominantly synthesized by fungi belonging to the Aspergillus genus, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus toxicarius, and Aspergillus parvisclerotigens, particularly on crops such as corn, peanuts, cotton seeds, and coffee beans. Numerous studies have highlighted the natural occurrence of toxigenic Aspergillus species and aflatoxin production in coffee beans, underscoring the importance of understanding and managing this significant food safety concern