Mycotoxins

Definition

Mycotoxins are produced by molds of the fungi kingdom. It typically refers to those toxins produced by moulds found in crops and foodstuffs. There are multiple varieties of mycotoxins.

Health considerations

Mycotoxin outbreaks are associated with a variety of severe health effects including liver damage and death.

Keep in mind

Mycotoxins are more common in crops that have not been properly dried and stored, or that have not been treated with fungicides. Food safety industries tightly test for and regulate acceptable levels of mycotoxins in domestic and imported foods.

May be found in

Bread, cereal, pasta, pastries, snacks, peanuts, tree nuts, oilseeds, dried fruit, spices, coffee, wine, apple juice, milk, beer, any mouldy food

References

Food Standards Agency
Food Standards Agency 2
International Journal of Food Microbiology
Analytica Chimica Acta
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Bulletin of the World Health Organization