Novel Methods for Preventing and Controlling Aflatoxins in Food: A Worldwide Daily Challenge

Abstract

rivates [6,7], and even chocolates [8]. In order to find a solution for this problem, some organizations and institutions have purposed prevention strategies in order to reduce the risks given by this public problem especially in low-income countries, but those strategies are not enough to give a real solution to this worldwide daily problem. 2. The global problem of AF in crops and food The prevalence of AF in crops and livestock is a serious problem in many parts of the world, undermining public health and development efforts. AF are highly toxic, cancer causing fungal metabolites known to cause immune-system suppression, growth retardation, liver disease, and death in both humans and domestic animals. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 25% of world food crops are affected, and countries that are situated between 40ºN and 40ºS are most at risk. Over 4.5 billion people in developing countries are at risk of chronic AF exposure [9]. Unless AF levels in crops and livestock are effectively managed, international development efforts to achieve greater agricultural development, food security and improve health will be undermined. AF are very stable and persistent, so they are difficult to remove. Due to they are contained in many crops that are consumed by animals, AF have turned into a serious animal problem too. The most susceptible animals are rabbits, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows and goats [10]. AF can be transmitted from animals to human food (by eggs, meat and dairy) with the consequent risk to human health. Even non-mouldy foods or raw materials may contain AF. Spores can be transferred by insects (especially flies, wasps and bees) or by birds to foods where the spores germinate, produce mycelium, and AF are excreted. Seeds can contain AF by infection of the egg-cells of the flowering plants. The spores of A. flavus and A. parasiticus can germinate on the stigma surfaces of plants, then the germ tube penetrates to the developing embryo mimicking pollen germ tubes. The mycelium can establish an endotrophic relationship which is not harmful for the healthy plant. However, if the plant is under drought stress, then significant levels of AF may be produced in the plant tissue during growth in the field. Under these circumstances food commodities may already be contaminated at harvest and, although the concentrations are never as high as those formed in stored commodities, they can be economically significant [11, 12].

Therapeutic Effect of Natural Products and Dietary Supplements on Aflatoxin-Induced Nephropathy

“…Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic metabolites produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus [ 1 , 2 ]. They occur naturally, and are estimated to contaminate 25% of cereals worldwide [ 3 ].…”

Investigating the Impact of Dietary Fibers on Mycotoxin Bioaccessibility during In Vitro Biscuit Digestion and Metabolites Identification

“…Despite the existence of strict regulations in several countries to prevent mycotoxins contamination, these contaminants can be found in a wide range of food products, and it is expected to rise with climate change as it benefits the growth of fungi [2]. In addition to the contamination of food crops, mycotoxins can also reach the food chain through food of animal origin [3]. Therefore, a relatively low to occasionally high level of these compounds might be found in the diet [4,5].…”

Study on toxigenic fungi in ruminant feeds under desert conditions with special references to its biological control

“…Combining feedstuff of normal or high quality with feedstuff of known low cost and quality or high risk of mycotoxin contamination (Armando et al, 2011). Prevention of uptake of mycotoxins by use of feed additives (Liz arraga- Paulín et al, 2013).…”