What is Aflatoxin?
Aflatoxin is a type of fungal toxin. Some fungi have the ability to produce toxins in various food products like fruit juices, tomato paste, dairy products, etc. One of these toxins is aflatoxin, which can enter milk and dairy products through contaminated animal feed. If the animal feed is contaminated, the toxin enters the milk, increasing the possibility of it being transferred from milk to the human body.
Usually, three types of mold lead to the production of aflatoxin. The most common growth area for these fungi, which cause the production of aflatoxin, is animal farms, but it cannot be said that the definitive cause of milk contamination with aflatoxin is the contamination of animal feed, as other factors also play a major role in producing this toxin.
Molds are a type of fungus and, in simpler terms, fungi are divided into two groups: molds and yeasts. Different types of molds can grow in food materials.
Which Molds Produce Aflatoxin?
The two main species of molds Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus are the primary producers of aflatoxin. When food materials like dried fruits, grains, and nuts become contaminated with these molds, mycotoxins are produced in a warm and humid environment. Aflatoxin is one of the most important and powerful of these toxins.
How Many Types of Aflatoxin Exist?
Aflatoxin consists of 14 types, among which types B1, B2, G1, and G2 are the most dangerous to humans and animals.
Does Aflatoxin Exist in Agricultural Products?
Agricultural products can become contaminated with this toxin both before and after harvest, though it can be controlled at both stages. The greatest risk of human exposure to aflatoxin comes from consuming nuts, grains, and their products, but consuming milk from animals that are fed poor-quality feed can also transfer this toxin to humans.
Does Consuming Aflatoxin Have Side Effects on Humans?
Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and can affect all organs, especially the liver and kidneys. This toxin attacks the human liver and causes mutations in liver cells by binding to their DNA, leading to dysfunction in this vital organ, which may eventually result in liver cancer. It also causes irreparable damage to the human gastrointestinal system and can weaken the immune system. The effects of this toxin manifest gradually over time, but fatigue and loss of appetite can be immediate results of consuming it.
Is Consuming Aflatoxin Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
Yes, aflatoxin is a mutagenic agent, meaning it has the potential to cause defects in the fetus. In children, aflatoxin can lead to growth retardation, infectious diseases, severe diarrhea, or malnutrition.
What is the Permissible Level of Aflatoxin that Does Not Harm Living Organisms?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set the permissible limit of aflatoxin in food products between 20 to 300 ppb. The permissible limit is considered the same for both human and animal food.
Are There Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning?
Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, inflammation of the respiratory system, severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart, brain swelling, abnormal blood conditions, and in severe cases, death.
Are the Effects of Aflatoxin Poisoning the Same for Everyone?
The effects vary depending on the level of contamination and the amount consumed. If a person consumes a large amount of this toxin at once, they are likely to experience all the symptoms mentioned. These effects can be more severe in individuals suffering from specific illnesses, children, and pregnant women. If a person consumes small amounts over a long period, they may not experience severe symptoms, but ultimately, they may develop liver cancer.
Methods for Detecting Aflatoxin Contamination in Food
There are different methods for detecting aflatoxin, such as laboratory methods like HPLC-MS and rapid test kits for factories and grain silos.
How Can Aflatoxin Production Be Prevented?
As mentioned earlier, aflatoxin contamination can be prevented before harvest by timely planting, controlling weeds and pests, especially insects, and proper fertilization and irrigation. After harvest, storage and handling methods are crucial. The humidity of the storage area should be kept between 12 to 13% to halt the progression of aflatoxin. Control of insects is also critical in this stage.
If Aspergillus mold develops in the product, eliminating it is difficult. If the level exceeds the maximum permissible level, the only option is to dispose of it. However, in rare cases, when contamination is within acceptable limits, methods such as UV irradiation or chemical treatments can be used to destroy the toxin in food.
Can Aflatoxin Be Destroyed by Heating?
No, this toxin is heat-resistant, so it cannot be destroyed by heating or cooking the products.
Can Using Antifungal Agents Like KM2010 and Natamycin Prevent Aflatoxin Production?
It is better to say that in food items like raisins, various nuts, pickles, and vegetables that are prone to fungal contamination, antifungal agents like KM2010 and Natamycin can be used during storage to prevent the growth of Aspergillus mold, and thus no toxin will be produced.
