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Buildings are another source of mycotoxins and people living or working in areas with mold increase their chances of adverse health effects. Molds growing in buildings can be divided into three groups – primary, secondary, and tertiary colonizers. Each group is categorized by the ability to grow at a certain water activity requirement.
They have been found in both pet and human foods, as well as in feedstocks for agricultural animals. Animals fed contaminated food can pass aflatoxin transformation products into milk, milk products, and meat. [2] For example, contaminated poultry feed is the suspected source of aflatoxin-contaminated chicken meat and eggs in Pakistan. [3]
Concentrations of ochratoxin in usual foods Source Median in μg/kg of food Median in ng/kg of food Weight in kg Diet 1 Diet 1+ Liquorice extract 26.30 26,300 Ginger 5.50 5,500 0.005 27.50 Nutmeg 2.27 2,265 0.005 11.33 Paprika 1.32 1,315 0.005 6.58 Pig liver 1.10 1,100 Ginseng 1.10 1,100 Raisins dry 0.95 950 0.1 95.00 Pig kidney 0.80 800 0.2 160
A food contaminant is a harmful chemical or microorganism present in food, which can cause illness to the consumer. Contaminated food The impact of chemical contaminants on consumer health and well-being is often apparent only after many years of processing and prolonged exposure at low levels (e.g., cancer ).
Mycotoxicology is the branch of mycology that focuses on analyzing and studying the toxins produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins. [1] In the food industry it is important to adopt measures that keep mycotoxin levels as low as practicable, especially those that are heat-stable.
Citrinin is a mycotoxin which is often found in food. It is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi that contaminates long-stored food and it can cause a variety of toxic effects, including kidney, liver and cell damage. Citrinin is mainly found in stored grains, but sometimes also in fruits and other plant products.
Mycotoxin-contaminated grain and other food products have a significant impact on human and animal health globally. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 25% of the world's food may be contaminated by mycotoxins. [58] Prevention of mold exposure from food is generally to consume food that has no mold growths on it. [48]
After a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are higher – even after a building has dried out. [citation needed] Food sources for mold in buildings include cellulose-based materials such as wood, cardboard and the paper facing on drywall and organic matter such as soap, textiles, and dust containing skin cells.