what is aflatoxin

Aflatoxin is a family of toxins produced by certain fungi, mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. These fungi can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage, and exposure to aflatoxins can occur by eating contaminated plant products or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. Aflatoxin toxicity may result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and other signs of acute liver injury. Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. To reduce aflatoxin exposure, it is recommended to buy only major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters and to discard nuts that look moldy, discolored, or shriveled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests foods that may contain aflatoxins, such as peanuts and peanut butter, to help minimize risk.