Aflatoxin

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal compounds produced mainly by certain strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They can contaminate food and feed, causing acute poisoning and increasing liver-cancer risk.

Aflatoxin B1: A potent aflatoxin produced by some Aspergillus species and a major food contaminant and liver carcinogen. It is the best-studied aflatoxin and the main focus of toxicity research.
Aflatoxin testing: Analytical methods for detecting and measuring aflatoxins in food, feed, and biological samples. Testing identifies contaminated lots and supports exposure monitoring.
Aflatoxin poisoning in Kenya: A series of severe aflatoxicosis outbreaks in Kenya linked to contaminated maize, including a major 2004 outbreak. The 2004 outbreak demonstrated the danger of heavily contaminated staple food.
Aspergillus flavus: A widespread fungus that can infect crops and produce aflatoxins in some strains. It is a principal source of aflatoxin in crops such as maize and peanuts.
Food safety: The protection of food from hazards that can cause illness or injury when consumed. Aflatoxin control is a central food-safety challenge for crops and stored commodities.
Aflatoxin biosynthesis: The enzyme-driven pathway by which certain fungi produce aflatoxins from acetate-derived precursors. This pathway explains which fungal strains can produce the toxin and how production is regulated.
High-performance liquid chromatography: A separation method that uses a pressurized liquid mobile phase to analyze mixture components. It is widely used to quantify aflatoxins after sample preparation.
Aflatoxin in peanuts: Aflatoxin contamination of peanuts caused by fungal infection before or after harvest. Peanuts are a well-documented crop in which aflatoxin can accumulate.
Aspergillus parasiticus: A fungus that infects crops and produces several aflatoxins, including B and G types. It is another major aflatoxin-producing species named in the concept’s definition.
Mycotoxin: A toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain fungi that can contaminate food or feed. Aflatoxins belong to this broader class of fungal toxins.

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