Le risque mycotoxique dans la chaîne alimentaire en France

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by molds or fungi growing on plants all along the food chain, from the field until their consumption by humans and animals. They are found all along the food chain since they can be carried over in their native form or metabolites into the biological fluids or tissues of livestock animals, and in processed food. Intake of animal products can give an “indirect intoxication”. However, it must be considered that animals play a major “filter role“ since only 1-6% of ingested mycotoxins are transferred into the animal products. Mycotoxins have various toxic effects. Some are carcinogenic, and others are teratogenic or immunosuppressive. Acute mycotoxicoses are rare, whereas chronic intoxications are probably frequent but difficult to diagnose.