A call for aflatoxin control in Asia

Abstract

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites, produced by some fungal species of the genus Aspergillus, posing health and economic implications throughout the world. Developing countries in Asia usually have tropical conditions and grow crops susceptible to aflatoxin proliferation. Aflatoxin proliferation is more frequent in tropical regions due to optimal climate conditions required for their production. In general, the developing countries in Asia lack control and regulation strategies, like poor harvesting practices, improper storage and poor transportation conditions resulting in major losses from farm to fork level. A number of aflatoxin positive cases above safe limits have been reported in Asia in various commodities being consumed by the local population. This not only exposes to health issues like growth impairment, immunosuppression, hepatic disorders etc. but also result in heavy economic losses due to trade restrictions. However, rigorous aflatoxin standards mean that many nations would export their best quality food and keep contaminated food domestically, resulting in higher aflatoxin exposure in low or middle-income nations, where hepatitis prevalence is high. Aflatoxin control is needed to protect the Asian population from the risks of aflatoxins and to ensure good quality safe availability of commodities throughout the world by trade. In recent years a number of bioproducts have been introduced successfully worldwide that are safe, efficient and ecofriendly. Such initiatives may be taken in Asia as well to protect our food and feed commodities from aflatoxin contamination.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction

“…80 For instance, use of the Flavobacterium aurantiacum bacterium effectively removed AFB1 from various food items, such as oil, peanut butter, milk, peanuts, and maize without any production of detrimental byproducts. 81,82 Biodegradation technology offers an attractive alternative for managing or eliminating aflatoxins while regulating the quality and safety of food and feed products.…”

“…These biological methods use microorganisms and their byproducts to remove AFs from food commodities through processes like surface adsorption, biodegradation of toxic substances to nontoxic substances, or binding to lower their availability that ultimately reduces harmful effects . For instance, use of the Flavobacterium aurantiacum bacterium effectively removed AFB1 from various food items, such as oil, peanut butter, milk, peanuts, and maize without any production of detrimental byproducts. , Biodegradation technology offers an attractive alternative for managing or eliminating aflatoxins while regulating the quality and safety of food and feed products. In light of rising consumer concerns about the use of chemical and synthetic compounds in their food, the utilization of biological agents presents a more “natural” and demanding option .…”

“… 80 For instance, use of the Flavobacterium aurantiacum bacterium effectively removed AFB1 from various food items, such as oil, peanut butter, milk, peanuts, and maize without any production of detrimental byproducts. 81 , 82 Biodegradation technology offers an attractive alternative for managing or eliminating aflatoxins while regulating the quality and safety of food and feed products. In light of rising consumer concerns about the use of chemical and synthetic compounds in their food, the utilization of biological agents presents a more “natural” and demanding option.…”

AFB1 Toxicity in Human Food and Animal Feed Consumption: A Review of Experimental Treatments and Preventive Measures

“…The environmental climate is a factor in mold growth. Brazil experiences a damp environment most of the year where conductance of the mold is throughout and prevention of contamination is insufficient due to agriculture and farming practices, as in many other parts of the world [7]. A. flavus appears naturally in the soil and can contaminate food crops to the harvest and post-harvest stages.…”

The occurrence and human health risk assessment of total and aflatoxin B1 in selected food commodities in Bhutan

“…Warm and humid storage conditions allow the growth of molds, and aflatoxins accumulate in commodities throughout any stage of the value chain from preharvest to post harvest 15 . The incidence of aflatoxin contamination is reportedly highest in developing countries and, more specifically, in Asia 16 . This is due to their geographical location, as it provides favorable conditions for the proliferation of mycotoxins and the implementation of poor regulatory measures, resulting in potential exposure of more than 5 billion human populations 17 .…”