Moulding of grain in relation to mycotoxin formation

Abstract

Production of mycotoxins in cereal grains has been reported only occasionally, although potentially toxigenic fungi are often present in stored grain. The effect of environmental conditions on the growth of fungi colonising grain is described. Reported natural occurrences of toxins in grain suggest that the Fusarium toxins, zearalenone and T‐2, and ochratoxin and citrinin from Penicillium viridicatum may be the most common although aflatoxins may occur in maize. There have been few reports of these toxins in Britain. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure new methods of storage do not increase the risk of mycotoxin formation.