Toxin 1. any of various poisons produced by microorganisms and causing certain diseases 2. any poison secreted by plants or animals (Agnes 1996). Toxins-Poisons (usually proteins) produced by living organisms, especially those capable of stimulating the production of antibodies (Art 1993).
General Facts About Aflatoxins Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins that are metabolic byproducts of fungi, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus, which grow on many food crops under favorable conditions. Aflatoxin is an mycotoxin literally means poison from a fungi and are named on the basis of the fungus that produces them, thus “Aflatoxin” uses the “A” for Aspergillus and “fla” for the species “flavus” along with the word toxin. Adverse impact on animal and human health with acute toxicological effects such as liver damage and cancer can occur. The major types of aflatoxins are B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1, with aflatoxin B1 being the most toxic, and usually predominant. Aflatoxin B1 is a very potent carcinogen to humans and animals. Aflatoxins can invade the food supply at anytime during production, processing, transport or storage. Conditions that contribute to fungal growth and the production of aflatoxins are: a hot and humid climate, kernel moisture, favorable substrate characteristics, and factors that decrease the host plant’s immunity (insect damage, poor fertilization, and drought). Food and food crops most prone to contamination are corn and corn products, cottonseed, peanuts and peanut products, tree nuts (pistachio nuts, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts) and milk.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established action levels for aflatoxin present in food or feed to protect human and animal health.* Levels must not exceed: 20 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for immature animals (including immature poultry) and for dairy animals, or when its destination is not known; 20 ppb - For animal feeds, other than corn or cottonseed meal; 100 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for breeding beef cattle, breeding swine, or mature poultry; 200 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for finishing swine of 100 pounds or greater; 300 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for finishing (i.e., feedlot) beef cattle and for cottonseed meal intended for beef cattle, swine or poultry.
