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And, some molds produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can make people sick. “It just depends on what type of mycotoxin that the mold would produce,” Dr. Scuderi explains ...
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.
Examples of mycotoxins causing human and animal illness include aflatoxin, citrinin, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine. [5] One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin. [8]
And certain types of mold — aka the "ugly" — can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins under the right conditions, says Wee. These can make anyone sick and pose serious health risks.
Aspergillus ochraceus is a mold species in the genus Aspergillus known to produce the toxin ochratoxin A, one of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins, and citrinin. It also produces the dihydroisocoumarin mellein. It is a filamentous fungus in nature and has characteristic biseriate conidiophores.
Molds with mycotoxins, or toxic substances, are the most harmful. "They can cause severe illness if ingested in large doses or over time," Gavin says. Gavin says these include:
The molds that can produce trichothecenes grow well in dark, temperate places with high moisture content. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent trichothecene contamination in food products is to store the resources in the proper conditions to prevent the growth of molds. [ 66 ]
Ergotamine, a major mycotoxin produced by Claviceps species, which if ingested can cause gangrene, convulsions, and hallucinations. Many fungi produce biologically active compounds, several of which are toxic to animals or plants and are therefore called mycotoxins. Of particular relevance to humans are mycotoxins produced by molds causing food ...