Aflatoxin

Aflatoxin Latest News

Exporters are disputing Indonesia’s delayed notification of aflatoxins in groundnut shipments from India.

About Aflatoxin

• Aflatoxins are a toxic chemical (a mycotoxin) produced by fungi.
• The mould-like fungi that produce aflatoxins belong to a large group called Aspergillus (It is produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi).
• Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus thrive mainly in agricultural crops but also in soils, rotting food and compost.
• The fungi emerge as spores and form networks of microscopic filaments that can grow on products such as grains and nuts.
• These fungi contaminate groundnuts in warm, humid conditions.
• It can occur in foods such as groundnuts, tree nuts, maize, rice, figs and other dried foods, spices, crude vegetable oils and cocoa beans, as a result of fungal contamination before and after harvest.
• Health Impacts: This toxin is reported to be genotoxic, carcinogenic, and pose risks to human and animal health.

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How are people Exposed to Aflatoxins?

• People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. 
• Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds.

Source: TH