What is Mycotoxigenic Mould?

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced in agricultural commodities by some fungi either in the field, during harvesting, transportation, storage or food processing (Bennett and Klich, 2003; Wagacha and Muthomi, 2008).

What mold produces aflatoxin?

Aspergillus flavus
The main fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world.

What are the types of mycotoxin?

Several hundred different mycotoxins have been identified, but the most commonly observed mycotoxins that present a concern to human health and livestock include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol.

Why do molds produce mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins emerge in the food chain when crops become infected with mold, either before or after the harvest. Molds that produce mycotoxins can grow in stored food products (WHO, 2018) including: Spices.

Can mold cause kidney issues?

Mold toxicity illness is associated with various chronic health problems, including autoimmune disorders, liver and kidney disease, autism, chronic fatigue, and certain cancers.

What molds cause mycotoxins?

While a type of mold may form more than one mycotoxin, a mycotoxin can be synthesized by many molds. The most common types of mold which are known to produce mycotoxins are Aspergillus , Penicillium , Fusarium , and Alternaria [10].

What is the difference between mold and mycotoxins?

For reference, mold spores are between 1 and 20 microns. Mycotoxins typically replicate on and attach to floors or walls in humid and confined environments or on certain foods. However, mycotoxins can be found on any type of surface or material.

Do HEPA filters remove mycotoxins?

Excellent Filtration: to remove mycotoxins, an air purifier should contain at least a true hepa filter. Extra additions like a pre filter and an activated carbon filter are also desirable for the best performance.

Does coffee have mycotoxins?

Dr. Ferrer and colleagues analyzed 100 coffee samples sold in supermarkets in Spain to confirm the presence of mycotoxins. In detail, they found the presence of fumonisins, aflatoxins, trichothecenes and emerging mycotoxins in concentrations ranging from 0.10-3.570 μg/kg.