What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds (fungi) and can be found in food.
The moulds grow on a variety of different crops and foodstuffs including cereals, nuts, spices, dried fruits, apples and coffee beans, often under warm and humid conditions.
Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins range from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer.
Ways to minimise the risk from mycotoxins?
Mould usually does not grow in properly dried and stored foods, so efficient drying of commodities and maintenance of the dry state, or proper storage, is an effective measure against mould growth and the production of mycotoxins.
To minimize the health risk from mycotoxins, people are advised to:
- inspect whole grains (especially corn, sorghum, wheat, rice), dried figs and nuts such as peanuts, pistachio, almond, walnut, coconut, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts which are all regularly contaminated with aflatoxins for evidence of mould, and discard any that look mouldy, discoloured, or shrivelled;
- avoid damage to grains before and during drying, and in storage, as damaged grain is more prone to invasion of moulds and therefore mycotoxin contamination;
- buy grains and nuts as fresh as possible;
- make sure that foods are stored properly – kept free of insects, dry, and not too warm;
- not keep foods for extended periods of time before being used; and
- ensure a diverse diet – this not only helps to reduce mycotoxins exposure, but also improves nut
Mycotoxins are often associated with Food
- Agricultural Crops (amongst others corn, wheat, rye, barley)
- Cereals
- Bread and cookies
- Dried fruits
- Nuts, kernels and flours
- Herbs and spices
- Milk and dairy products
- Coffee, cocoa
- Beverages (e.g., beer, wine)
- Baby food
- Meat and meat products
- Egg and poultry products
- Oils and fats
- Convenience food
- Basmati rice and other varieties
- Confectionery
- Dietary food
- Food additives
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains and cereal products
- Tea, herbal tea, fruit tea
- Pet food
- Animal feed
The Eurofins Advantage
- Fast turn-around time (TAT)
- Local contact with a Global Network
- Participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies allowing early advice on potential food scares and legal obligations
- One stop Solution.
- International presence
