Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are a group of toxic metabolites produced naturally by certain species of fungi and have been identified recently by the World Health Organization as significant sources of food-borne illnesses. Some of the most dangerous mycotoxin groups causing cancer, immune system suppression and death: Aflatoxin, found in cereals and nuts; Ochratoxin, found in cereals: Patulin, found in apples or fruits and vegetable; and Fusarium toxins, found in corn and wheat. Mycotoxins are not destroyed by food processing such as cooking or freezing. The EU has set mycotoxin limits for foods.