Mycotoxins: Current situation

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi which affect humans and other animals. There are over 300 mycotoxins currently known, and of these only a few have been studied well. Aflatoxin B₁, the major member of aflatoxins and one of the most potent hepatocarcinogens known in nature, is the most well‐studied mycotoxin. In addition to aflatoxins, trichothecenes have been studied from the late 1970s. Natural contamination of various foods and feedstuffs with mycotoxins has been reported from all over the world. Several human and animal intoxications by mycotoxins were reported, such as “turkey's X disease,” alimentary toxic alecukia, and “yellow rain.” Because of concern for human health, many countries have set tolerances for some mycotoxins in foods and feeds, and the number of regulations concerning mycotoxins is increasing.