Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodities.
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Date
2013-10
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Abstract
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring Mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus
parasiticus. Aspergillus flavus is common and widespread in nature and is most often found
when certain grains are grown under stressful conditions such as draught. The mold occurs in
soil, decaying vegetation, hay and grains undergoing microbiological deterioration and
invades all types of organic substrates whenever and wherever the conditions are favourable
for its growth. Favourable conditions include high moisture content and high temperature.The
aflatoxin group is comprised of aflatoxin B1,B2,G1 and G2. In addition , aflatoxin M1 (AFM1),
a hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1, is excreted in the milk of dairy cows consuming an
AFB1-contaminated ration. Aflatoxin B1 a prototype of the aflatoxins, is widely recognized as
the most potent hepato carcinogenic compound and along with other certain members of the
group, possess additional toxic properties including mutagenicity, tetrogenicity, acute cellular
toxicity and it suppresses the immune system. Aflatoxin contamination of food and feed has
gained global significance as a result of its deleterious effects on human as well as animal
health. The marketability of food products is adversely affected by aflatoxin contamination.
Description
Keywords
Aspergillus, Aflatoxin, Mycotoxins, Food products
Citation
Rajarajan P N, Rajasekaran K M, Devi N K Asha. Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodities. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Research. 2013 Oct-Dec ; 1 (4): 148-151.