Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain species of Aspergillus moulds that develop when the temperature and humidity of the food are high. Aflatoxins are considered genotoxic and carcinogenic by the European Food Safety Authority, and can be dangerous if consumed repeatedly at high levels.

Aflatoxins consist of approximately 20 related secondary metabolites but only aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 are normally found in food. They are mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which grow on maize, peanuts and nuts, dried fruit and other small cereals in warm, humid conditions. Aflatoxin B1 is a potent toxin, mutagen and carcinogen.

Aflatoxin M1 is an important metabolite of aflatoxin B1 in humans and animals. When cows consume aflatoxins in their feed, a small percentage is metabolised and excreted in the milk as aflatoxin M1. Aflatoxin M1 is also toxic and carcinogenic. At least 20 aflatoxins have been identified.