Mould and aflatoxin levels in packaged nutmeg and chilli
What it found
In 115 packaged spice samples, nutmeg was more often contaminated with mould than chilli, and 44.2% of nutmeg samples had no detectable aflatoxin.
The tests were done on the spices themselves, not in people.
What they found
Mould in nutmeg vs chilli
High mould contamination (at or above 10^3 CFU/g) was found in 44.2% of nutmeg samples and 17.5% of chilli samples. The authors suggest chilli may be less affected because of its capsaicinoids.
Steam treatment and mould
Steam-treated samples had less mould than untreated ones. The reduction was more marked in nutmeg than in chilli.
Powder vs whole spices
Powdered spices were more contaminated than whole ones. There was a statistical difference between powder and whole samples for aflatoxin content in both spices.
Moisture and mould in nutmeg
In untreated nutmeg, moisture and mould content rose together. A similar link was seen between moisture and aflatoxin production, mainly in ground samples.
Samples over the B1 limit
Six samples exceeded the B1 limit of 5 μg/kg: three heat-treated nutmeg powders, two untreated chilli powders and one heat-treated chilli powder. Aflatoxin G2 was not found in any sample.
What the authors conclude
- They say the study showed a high incidence of mould in both chilli and nutmeg.
- They advise that steam-treating spices before packaging could help reduce the initial amount of moulds.
How it was done
The authors wanted to check mould and aflatoxin levels in dehydrated chilli and nutmeg imported from India and Indonesia, packaged in Italy and sold worldwide, because these spices are widely used in cooking.
They tested 63 chilli samples and 52 nutmeg samples for aflatoxins, moulds and moisture. Some samples had been steam-treated before packaging, and samples were either whole or in powder form.
What it can’t tell you
- This study tested spice samples, not people, so it cannot show what health effects these aflatoxin levels might have in people who eat them.
- The authors did not test whether moisture-absorbing materials inside packages would reduce mould growth; they only suggest it as a possible approach.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- University of Florence, Italy; Analytical Laboratory, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Mycotic and aflatoxin contamination in Myristica fragrans seeds (nutmeg) and Capsicum annum (chilli), packaged in Italy and commercialized worldwide
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Pesavento G, Ostuni M, Calonico C, Rossi S, Capei R, Lo Nostro A (2016). Mycotic and aflatoxin contamination in Myristica fragrans seeds (nutmeg) and Capsicum annum (chilli), packaged in Italy and commercialized worldwide. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene.Free full textPubMed 27582627
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error