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• What Are Molds?
• Are Some Molds Dangerous?
• Are Molds Only on the Surface of Food?
• Where Are Molds Found?
• What Are Some Common Foodborne Molds?
• What Are Mycotoxins?
• What is Aflatoxin?
• How Does the U.S. Government Control Aflatoxins?
• Is Mushroom Poisoning Caused by Molds?
• Are Any Food Molds Beneficial?
• Why Can Mold Grow in the Refrigerator?
• How Can You Minimize Mold Growth?
• Don’t Buy Moldy Foods
• Must Homemade Shelf-Stable Preserves be Water-Bath Processed?
• How Can You Protect Food from Mold?
• How Should You Handle Food with Mold on It?

What is Aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is a cancer-causing poison produced by certain fungi in or on foods and feeds, especially in field corn and peanuts. They are probably the best known and most intensively researched mycotoxins in the world. Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis in livestock, domestic animals, and humans throughout the world. Many countries try to limit exposure to aflatoxin by regulating and monitoring its presence on commodities intended for use as food and feed. The prevention of aflatoxin is one of the most challenging toxicology issues of present time.

USDA United States Department of Agriculture
Food Saftey and Inspection Service
http://www.fsis.usda.gov
September 2005