A Biological Technology For Controlling Aflatoxin Contamination

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, the fungi primarily responsible for aflatoxin contamination of food and feed commodities, are unevenly but widely distributed in nature. Fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination are the consequence of interactions among the fungus, the host and the environment. Although the precise factors that initiate toxin formation are not well understood, an appropriate combination of these factors determines the infestation and colonization of the substrate, and the type and amount of aflatoxin produced.1

Water and high temperature stress, and insect damage of the host plant are major determining factors in mold infestation and toxin production. Similarly, specific crop growth stages, poor fertility, high crop densities, and weed competition have been associated with increased mold growth and toxin production. Aflatoxin formation is also affected by associated growth of other molds or microbes. For example, high temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, and high insect activity favor preharvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts and corn, while post harvest production of aflatoxins on corn and peanuts is favored by warm temperatures and high humidity.2

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 25% of the world’s food crops are affected by mycotoxins, of which the most notorious are aflatoxins.3 In the United States alone, researchers in no fewer than 14 universities and numerous USDA locations are conducting nationwide aflatoxin elimination and control studies, including breeding, genetic engineering, and regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis. While research in the areas of aflatoxin elimination is beginning to show promise, growers are many years from receiving a useable product utilizing these methods. Given the favorable benefits of biological control, Afla-guard™ will offer an enhancement of the quality and safety of food and feed commodities.

Additional information: aflatoxins in your food and their effects on your health.

1 Aflatoxins: Occurrence and Health Risks,
2 see endnote 1
3 see endnote 1

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