Aflatoxin: A Synthesis of the Research in Health, Agriculture and Trade

“Exposure to aflatoxins
leads to several healthrelated
conditions.”
intRoDUction
Aflatoxin, a potent, naturally occurring microbial carcinogen, is produced
primarily by A. flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) and
constitutes a group of approximately 20 related types of fungus. figure 2
shows yellow mold, caused by A. flavus and A. parasiticus, which commonly
produces aflatoxin. Although the presence of other molds on foods can denote
contamination, aflatoxin, and the molds and fungi that produce it, is not visible
in contaminated foods.
there are four primary naturally produced aflatoxin strains known as B 1 , B 2 ,
G 1 , and G 2. two additional strains, M 1 and M 2 are the metabolic products of
contaminated food or feed and are found in milk and other dairy products. the
most toxic strain, aflatoxin B 1 , has been directly linked to adverse health effects
such as liver cancer.
humans are exposed to aflatoxin primarily through the consumption of
contaminated agricultural or animal products. other modes of exposure include
the inhalation of toxins through occupational exposure. 6 human exposure to
aflatoxin has a negative impact on health. exposure can lead to acute or
chronic aflatoxicosis, based on the duration and amount of exposure, and can
compound existing health issues or the risk of disease transmission.
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Figure 2: Yellow Mold Caused by A. flavus and A. parasiticus
Source: APSnet, Mycotoxins in Crops: A Threat to Human and Domestic Animal Health, 2011