1. Academic Validation
  2. Aflatoxins: A Global Concern for Food Safety, Human Health and Their Management

Aflatoxins: A Global Concern for Food Safety, Human Health and Their Management

  • Front Microbiol. 2017 Jan 17;7:2170. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.02170.
Pradeep Kumar 1 Dipendra K Mahato 2 Madhu Kamle 1 Tapan K Mohanta 3 Sang G Kang 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology Nirjuli, India.
  • 2 Division of Food Science & Postharvest Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi, India.
  • 3 Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University Gyeongsan, South Korea.
Abstract

The aflatoxin producing fungi, Aspergillus spp., are widely spread in nature and have severely contaminated food supplies of humans and Animals, resulting in health hazards and even death. Therefore, there is great demand for aflatoxins research to develop suitable methods for their quantification, precise detection and control to ensure the safety of consumers' health. Here, the chemistry and biosynthesis process of the mycotoxins is discussed in brief along with their occurrence, and the health hazards to humans and livestock. This review focuses on resources, production, detection and control measures of aflatoxins to ensure food and feed safety. The review is informative for health-conscious consumers and research experts in the fields. Furthermore, providing knowledge on aflatoxins toxicity will help in ensure food safety and meet the future demands of the increasing population by decreasing the incidence of outbreaks due to aflatoxins.

Keywords

Aspergillus sp.; aflatoxins; food contamination; health issues; secondary metabolites.

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