Abstract

Aspergillus spp., the fungus containing aflatoxin, is commonly spread in nature and contains severely polluted food sources from humans and wildlife, resulting in risks to health and even mortality of species. In plants, such as maize and peanuts, the spores of Aspergillus paraciticus and Aspergillus flavus can grow on the surface of stigma. The germ tube goes into the developing embryo and mimics pollen germ tubes. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring substances, so it is difficult to remove them completely from products. However, they should be lessened to minimum possible level. There is also a strong need for research into aflatoxins to establish effective methods for their correct identification , quantification and monitoring to ensure public health safety. The chemistry and biosynthesis process of aflatoxins is addressed in a succinct fashion along with their occurrence and the toxic health threats to humans and livestock. This analysis focuses primarily on aflatoxin tools, development, identification and control techniques to ensure food and feed safety. The study is very useful to health-conscious customers and academic authorities in the related fields. In addition , the availability of information on toxicity of aflatoxins would help ensure food safety and solve potential problems for the rising population by reducing the occurrence of outbreaks related to aflatoxins.

Highlights

  • Aflatoxins are extremely toxic secondary metabolites formed primarily by fungal species like Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus

  • Since 1985, a standard for the permittable amount of mycotoxins in food products has been set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) have documented many toxins found in agricultural products

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Aflatoxins are extremely toxic secondary metabolites formed primarily by fungal species like Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus. These fungi are mostly infectious to cereal crops such as rice, wheat, walnut, cotton, corn, tree nuts and peanuts [49] and can cause serious health hazards to humans as well asanimalswhich leads to various complicationslike hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity and teratogenicity [50]. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) have documented many toxins found in agricultural products. Various physical , chemical and biological techniques are used for detoxifying food in whole or in part and maintaining food quality and consumer health issues. Diverse physical , chemical and biological methods are being briefly addressed for food control and management

Major Sources of Aflatoxins
Biosynthesis of Aflatoxins and Their Metabolites
Gene Responsible for Aflatoxin Production
Properties of Aflatoxins
Occurrence of Aflatoxins
Factors Favorizing Aflatoxin Production
Exposure to Aflatoxins
Cellular Metabolism
Detoxification of Aflatoxins
Interaction with Biomolecules
Immune Response
Hormonal Effects
Mutagenic and Teratogenic Effects
Carcinogenic Effects
Health Aspects
US FDA Regulations
Analysis of Aflatoxins
Control Strategies
Findings
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.