The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were collected from June 2006 to May 2007. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins (AF) B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed 44.2% samples positive for AF at levels of 0.5 to 103.8 mg·kg^-1. Nine of the positive samples (3.7% of the analysed samples) had total aflatoxin concentrations (B₁+B₂+G₁+G₂) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 mg·kg^-1). Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDI_M) of aflatoxins from peanut products in the Northeast region of São Paulo was estimated to be 0.23 ng kg b.w. day^-1. Although this PDI_M value was relatively low, results indicate that aflatoxin contamination of peanut products may be a public health concern in Brazil, when considering the potential exposure of highly susceptible consumers. For example, it should be emphasized that children are potentially exposed to aflatoxins, since they consume large quantities of peanut candies, and these products had the highest number of samples positive for AFB₁.

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A–C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM₁ and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM₁ at levels of 0.011–0.251 µg l^–1 milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM₁ in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM₁ in grades A–C and UHT milk were 0.060 ± 0.080, 0.056 ± 0.063, 0.064 ± 0.041 and 0.075 ± 0.048 µg l^–1, respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7 µg l^–1. This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM₁ in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM₁ in milk and milk products.