• As aflatoxins are produced by fungi that grow on maize, soya bean and groundnuts, ensure that horse feed is kept dry and stored indoors. (farmersweekly.co.za)
  • Each country develops its own aflatoxin biocontrol using the region's indigenous fungi, native organisms with different crops trademarked under different geographically specific names. (agrilinks.org)
  • Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda. (ac.ke)
  • However, in tropical and subtropical climates, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, a group of cancer-causing and immuno-suppressive mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. (ac.ke)
  • The current study determined both the aflatoxin levels in pre-harvest maize across Uganda and the structures of communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with the maize. (ac.ke)
  • Densities of aflatoxin-producing fungi were negatively correlated with elevation. (ac.ke)
  • Fungi from different AEZ varied significantly in aflatoxin-producing abilities and several atoxigenic genotypes were identified. (ac.ke)
  • However, in tropical and sub-tropical regions, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. (iita.org)
  • These results confirm the sensitivity of fungi to eBeam doses in a naturally contaminated maize slurry and that 20 kGy is effective at degrading some pre-formed aflatoxin in such maize preparations. (illinois.edu)
  • 2016). Temperature is a key environmental factor that may favor the growth of these fungi and aflatoxin production (Arrus et al. (researchgate.net)
  • Aspergillus nomius is a potent producer of aflatoxins B and G and is one of the most common species of fungi found in Brazil nuts. (researchgate.net)
  • The mould fungi that grow on staple crops such as peanuts and maize produce toxic substances called aflatoxins. (newscientist.com)
  • Scientists from different research institutions in Germany conducted a study to investigate the effect of anti-microbial peptides on major aflatoxin-producing fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus . (isaaa.org)
  • Results of in vitro assays with different synthetic peptides showed that thanatin from spined soldier bug ( Podisus maculiventris ) had the greatest potential to eliminate aflatoxin-producing fungi. (isaaa.org)
  • The harvest was also affected by aflatoxin, a toxin produced by fungi due to exposure to moisture. (co.ke)
  • These fungi commonly grow on various agricultural crops, particularly on grains such as maize (corn), wheat, barley, rice, and nuts, both during cultivation and post-harvest storage. (thesafefood.com)
  • Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus , which are common in warm, humid climates around the world, are the primary fungi that produce aflatoxins. (thesafefood.com)
  • Aflatoxin is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other crops during production, harvest, storage, or processing. (cdc.gov)
  • In developed countries like the United States, commercial crops are screened routinely for aflatoxin using detection techniques that are performed in a laboratory setting. (cdc.gov)
  • Inadequate harvesting and storage techniques allow for the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungus, and homegrown crops are not routinely tested for the presence of aflatoxin. (cdc.gov)
  • To ensure that this technology reaches a range of crops and producers, USDA has organized a Pakistani-led working group with CABI , Rafhan Maize, NARC, and other guests. (agrilinks.org)
  • As temperatures rise, Dutch and Italian researchers contend we could see an increase in mycotoxin aflatoxin B1, putting maize crops at high risk. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • Aflatoxin contamination is increasing in crops such as maize as a result of climate change creating better conditions for these molds. (wikipedia.org)
  • Favorable conditions for production of aflatoxins include high moisture content (at least 7%) and temperatures from 55 °F (13 °C) to 104 °F (40 °C) [optimum 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F)]. Aflatoxins have been isolated from all major cereal crops, and from sources as diverse as peanut butter and cannabis. (wikipedia.org)
  • and their collaborators at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad, India, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Louisiana State University have made a significant research breakthrough by suppressing the aflatoxin-producing fungus in groundnut, or peanuts. (feedstuffs.com)
  • Farmers face climate risk as they produce the few crops like maize that are wanted in the urban areas. (icrisat.org)
  • Aflatoxins are produced by specific fungus that can be found on crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, among other foods such as tree nuts. (thesafefood.com)
  • Aflatoxins form one of the major groupings of mycotoxins, and apart from Aspergillus flavus various members of the group of compounds occur in species such as: Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus pseudocaelatus, Aspergillus pseudonomius, and Aspergillus nomius. (wikipedia.org)
  • Aflatoxin B1 is considered the most toxic and is produced by both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. (wikipedia.org)
  • Aflatoxin M1 is present in the fermentation broth of Aspergillus parasiticus, but it and aflatoxin M2 are also produced when an infected liver metabolizes aflatoxin B1 and B2. (wikipedia.org)
  • Aflatoxins are produced by both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are common forms of 'weedy' molds widespread in nature. (wikipedia.org)
  • Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus produce the aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, but A. ochraceus together with Penicillium viridicatum and P. cyclopium synthesize ochratoxin A (OTA). (cabi.org)
  • The molds - Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus , which infect groundnut, maize/corn, cottonseed and chili - produce these toxins that suppress the immune system, hinder growth and even cause liver cancer. (feedstuffs.com)
  • Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus , including aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), aflatoxin B 2 , aflatoxin G 1 , and aflatoxin G 2 . (hindawi.com)
  • The obtained data showed that six isolates of A. flavus and four isolates of A. parasiticus were positive for aflatoxin production, while all isolates of A. niger were negative. (hindawi.com)
  • Five commercially essential oils (thyme, garlic, cinnamon, mint, and rosemary) were tested to determine their influence on growth and aflatoxin production in A. flavus and A. parasiticus by performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). (hindawi.com)
  • The results showed that the tested essential oils caused highly significant inhibition of fungal growth and aflatoxin production in A. flavus and A. parasiticus . (hindawi.com)
  • C. Tzanidi, C. Proestos and P. Markaki, "Saffron ( Crocus sativus L. ) Inhibits Aflatoxin B 1 Production by Aspergillus parasiticus ," Advances in Microbiology , Vol. 2 No. 3, 2012, pp. 310-316. (scirp.org)
  • F. Olojede, G. Engelhardt, P. R. Wallnofer and G. O. Adegoke, "Decrease of Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Aspergillus parasiticus Caused by Spices," WJ Microbiology and Biotechnology, Vol. 9, No. 5, 1995, pp. 605-606. (scirp.org)
  • It directly measured toxins in blood samples from people who had eaten the maize. (cdc.gov)
  • Aflatoxins are potent toxins produced by several fungal species of the genus Aspergillus. (agrilinks.org)
  • The program will ultimately reach livestock producers with a variation of the biocontrol aimed to reduce aflatoxin contamination for locally produced animal feeds. (agrilinks.org)
  • This assay, normally used in developed countries, was used in rural Kenya to assess whether aflatoxin levels in grains were above or below the Kenyan regulatory limit. (cdc.gov)
  • On May 15, the SSNBS impounded 62 trucks loaded with maize grains, maize flour, and wheat, citing alleged failure to pass aflatoxin contamination tests. (millingmea.com)
  • Vicam's strip test has received certification for quantitative analysis of total aflatoxins in grains. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • Aflatoxin transformation products are sometimes found in eggs, milk products, and meat when animals are fed contaminated grains. (wikipedia.org)
  • En principe, la contamination par les mycotoxines pourrait être diminuée chez les hybrides commerciaux de maïs par des saisons de croissance plus courtes en plantant à des dates qui minimisent le stress sur les plantes au moment de la période critique du remplissage des grains. (erudit.org)
  • The potent hepatotoxin and carcinogen aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin contaminant of grains used in animal feeds. (mdpi.com)
  • We need to consider replacing some of the maize in diets with wholesome grains,' said Gichohi. (icrisat.org)
  • The mid-April planting date resulted in lower aflatoxin contamination in harvested corn each yr and in significantly less frequent contamination above a regulatory action level in 2005 and overall than did the early-May planting date in both Bt and non-Bt corn. (erudit.org)
  • In the Southern United States, corn (maize, Zea mays L.) is commonly grown in rotation with cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) or soybeans [ Glycine max (L.) Merr. (erudit.org)
  • The contamination with aflatoxin in corn and peanut has been shown to be exacerbated by the presence of drought stress and related abiotic stresses. (usda.gov)
  • Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) is an economically important disease of maize. (frontiersin.org)
  • Conducting a national assessment of commercial products to identify other sources of aflatoxin exposure beyond the household farm. (cdc.gov)
  • There is an ongoing search for sources of aflatoxin resistance in maize to reduce continuous exposures of human populations to those dangerous mycotoxins. (iita.org)
  • Given the potential correlation between ROS and exacerbated aflatoxin production under drought and heat stress, the objectives of this study were to examine the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress on the growth of different toxigenic (+) and atoxigenic (-) isolates of Aspergillus flavus and to test whether aflatoxin production affects the H2O2 concentrations that the isolates could survive. (usda.gov)
  • Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major metabolite of AFB1 in mammals, being partially excreted into milk, and is a possible human carcinogen. (mdpi.com)
  • The fastest metabolism of AFB1 was observed in mouse hepatocytes which formed aflatoxin P1 as a major metabolite and also its glucuronidated form, while AFP1 occurred only in traces in the other species. (bvsalud.org)
  • Drought stress in the field has been shown to exacerbate aflatoxin contamination of maize and peanut. (usda.gov)
  • There is evidence to suggest that exposure to the Aspergillus mycotoxin aflatoxin (AF) during pregnancy can impair intrauterine foetal growth, promote neonatal jaundice and cause perinatal death and preterm birth. (bvsalud.org)
  • Isolates were subsequently screened for aflatoxin production using yeast extract sucrose medium. (researchgate.net)
  • These isolates were cultured under a H2O2 gradient ranging from 0 to 50 mM in two different media, aflatoxin-conducive yeast extract-sucrose (YES) and non-conducive yeast extract-peptone (YEP). (usda.gov)
  • Total aflatoxin (B1+B2+G1+G2+M1) was analyzed using an immunoassay technique while the presence of aflatoxin was confirmed using thin-layer chromatography. (researchgate.net)
  • A large proportion (69%) of the imported foods tested in this study were contaminated with one or several mycotoxins, including zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and aflatoxins. (usda.gov)
  • This study aims to present the results of epidemiological studies, including clinical cases, on the relationship between human exposure to some mycotoxins, especially zearalenone and aflatoxin, and the occurrence of reproductive disorders. (bvsalud.org)
  • Aflatoxin, a toxic substance produced by a fungus commonly found in maize and other agricultural products like peanuts, poses severe health risks to humans, including vomiting, abdominal pain, and liver injuries, among others. (millingmea.com)
  • An aflatoxin laser sorter which has been proven in a trial phase over 12 months with a global ready-to-eat snacks company has been modified to allow for the detection of all tree nuts as well as peanuts and is now being rolled out globally, claims Visys. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • Overall, increasing the relative humidity and temperature during storage resulted in an increase in aflatoxin and these were shown to be the most significant variables influencing toxin production in Brazil nuts. (researchgate.net)
  • Animals fed contaminated food can pass aflatoxin transformation products into eggs, milk products, and meat. (wikipedia.org)
  • Frequent co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin was observed. (erudit.org)
  • Reduced aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination with mid-April planting could not be explained by any measure of heat stress during the kernel-filling period. (erudit.org)
  • As mycotoxin contamination is a critical factor that destabilizes global food safety, the current review provides an updated overview of the (co-)occurrence of A. flavus and F. verticillioides and (co-)contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in maize. (usda.gov)
  • Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known. (wikipedia.org)
  • For example, foodborne aflatoxins may enhance the carcinogenic potential of hepatitis B virus. (cabi.org)
  • Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) is a carcinogenic metabolite produced by certain Aspergillus species. (scirp.org)
  • It is one of the most toxic and carcinogenic of aflatoxins and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. (bvsalud.org)
  • Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species. (bvsalud.org)
  • Addressing the issue, KEBS issued a statement, acknowledging reports of trucks carrying maize waiting for authorization permits to transport their consignments across the Kenyan border for an extended period. (millingmea.com)
  • Kenyan officials have been trained on preventing aflatoxin contamination as they harvest maize from regions experiencing heavy rainfall. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • According to researchers, a Kenyan would consume around 0.4kg of maize per day. (thesafefood.com)
  • The discovery has the potential to drastically improve food safety and reduce losses caused by the contamination from the poisonous carcinogen aflatoxin. (feedstuffs.com)
  • The presence of mycotoxins in maize as well as other foods and animal feed poses significant health risks, as these substances can be harmful, even in small amounts. (thesafefood.com)
  • Concentrations of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts regularly exceed safety threshold limits. (cabi.org)
  • AflaPak uses safe non-aflatoxin producing strains of the fungus, Aspergillus flavus, to outcompete the deadlier aflatoxin producing strains. (agrilinks.org)
  • Farmers apply AflaPak to their plants two to three weeks before the flowering stage and before the toxic fungus strains can grow and colonize the maize. (agrilinks.org)
  • ICRISAT scientists worked with collaborators at USDA and Louisiana State to transfer small RNA molecules from the aspergillus fungus that are involved in the aflatoxin synthetic pathway. (feedstuffs.com)
  • Since they are occassionally found in maize, they might also be in food items made from maize. (thesafefood.com)
  • For EU it is about 16% of the samples contained aflatoxin concentrations above tolerance thresholds. (ac.ke)
  • The extremely high aflatoxin concentrations detected in some of the studied regions indicate that management strategies should be urgently designed for use at the pre-harvest stage. (ac.ke)
  • Maximum concentrations of total aflatoxin and B1 were detected in nuts stored at 97% r.h. and at temperatures of 25-30 °C. Shelled half-nuts contained the highest total (6817 ng/g) and B1 (4483 ng/g) aflatoxin. (researchgate.net)
  • The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress on the growth of different toxigenic (+) and atoxigenic (-) isolates of Aspergillus flavus and to test whether aflatoxin production affects the H2O2 concentrations that the isolates could survive. (usda.gov)
  • Increasing H2O2 concentrations in the media resulted in elevated aflatoxin production in toxigenic isolates. (usda.gov)
  • In the 1% peptone media, YEP did not affect the H2O2 concentrations that the isolates could survive in comparison with YES media, without aflatoxin production. (usda.gov)
  • Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a fungal metabolite found in animal feeds and human foods. (bvsalud.org)
  • Increasing public awareness with education campaigns about aflatoxin in general, health effects related to exposure, and methods to prevent exposure. (cdc.gov)
  • Conducting a national assessment of human aflatoxin exposure measured in serum to determine the extent of exposure across all regions of Kenya and identify at-risk populations. (cdc.gov)
  • Children are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which is associated with stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage, and liver cancer. (wikipedia.org)
  • An association between childhood stunting and aflatoxin exposure has been reported in some studies but could not be detected in all. (wikipedia.org)
  • Furthermore, a causal relationship between childhood stunting and aflatoxin exposure has yet to be conclusively shown by epidemiological studies, though such investigations are underway. (wikipedia.org)
  • Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. (thesafefood.com)
  • Physical barriers (i.e., wax and cuticle) prevented both aflatoxin accumulation and A. flavus sporulation in a highly resistant MLR accession. (iita.org)
  • 0.05) resistance to both aflatoxin accumulation and A. flavus sporulation. (iita.org)
  • The term "aflatoxin" is derived from the name of the species Aspergillus flavus, in which some of the compounds first were discovered. (wikipedia.org)
  • Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L. (jove.com)
  • However, the most active extracts (from seeds) did not affect fungal growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus (Ascomycota: Trichocomaceae). (usp.br)
  • The extent of the inhibition of fungal growth and aflatoxin production was dependent on the type and concentration of essential oils applied. (hindawi.com)
  • The lab, through its use of sophisticated laboratory measurement techniques, provided the best possible evidence that Kenyans were exposed to aflatoxin. (cdc.gov)
  • Kenyans love maize. (kff.org)
  • The use of maize and food products made from it could expose the majority of Kenyans on a regular basis to a variety of highly toxic, cancer-causing, immunosuppressive, mutagenic, and hepatotoxic mycotoxins among other toxic contaminants. (thesafefood.com)
  • Both qualitative resistance, conferred by a single gene, and quantitative resistance, conferred by multiple genes, have been characterized in maize. (frontiersin.org)
  • The nuts produced these RNA molecules during fungal attacks and inactivated target genes responsible for aflatoxin synthesis. (feedstuffs.com)
  • PCR was used with four sets of primer pairs for nor-1, omt-1, ver-1 , and aflR genes, enclosed in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway. (hindawi.com)
  • But consuming millet and sorghum instead of maize costs USD 0.20 more a day, or USD 6 more a month, which is a lot on a monthly income of USD 8-12. (icrisat.org)
  • Maize in Malawi is highly subsidized, while very little millet and sorghum are grown. (icrisat.org)
  • Recent studies by the International Livestock and Research Institute (Ilri) in Kenya show that many retail outlets sell maize, milk and sorghum contaminated with unhealthy levels of aflatoxin. (co.ke)
  • It infects maize and groundnut during drought and heat stress. (feedstuffs.com)
  • Nevertheless, in toxicological classification, aflatoxin B1 has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen, specifically implicated in liver, lung and gallbladder malignancy. (cabi.org)
  • Further studies will be needed to investigate the mechanisms behind the variability among isolates with regard to their degree of oxidative stress tolerance and the role of aflatoxin production. (usda.gov)
  • Temperature is considered a major abiotic factor that influences fungal colonization and aflatoxin production in nuts during pre- and post-harvest. (researchgate.net)
  • Aflatoxin M1 was formed in all species and was, together with aflatoxin Q1 and aflatoxicol, the main metabolite in human cells. (bvsalud.org)
  • Large variability in susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination exists within maize germplasm. (iita.org)
  • In maize ears, the growth of FV is stimulated while FG is suppressed. (usda.gov)
  • Levels of aflatoxins in peanut meal may be reduced by up to 84 per cent, using an extrusion cooking process, according to new research. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • Collaborators plan to conduct field trials in India in coming years for further development of aflatoxin-resistant peanut. (feedstuffs.com)
  • Aflatoxin poisoning most commonly results from ingestion, but the most toxic aflatoxin compound, B1, can permeate through the skin. (wikipedia.org)
  • 0.05) proportionally support higher aflatoxin accumulation suggesting differential influences by some resistance factors between sporulation and aflatoxin biosynthesis. (iita.org)
  • Most metabolites of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), especially exo-AFB 1 -8,9-epoxide (AFBO), can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to vary degrees, causing oxidative stress and liver damage, and ultimately induce liver cancer in humans and animals. (hindawi.com)
  • The United Nations' food standards body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, has extended its code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin in tree nuts to include additional measures for Brazil nuts. (bakeryandsnacks.com)
  • Aflatoxin was not detected (detection limit of 1.75 ng/g) in nuts maintained at either 10 °C (97% r.h.) or at 30 °C (75% r.h.) for up to 60 d. (researchgate.net)
  • Aflatoxins may be present in a wide range of many food commodities, as nuts [ 4 ]. (hindawi.com)
  • Scientists from HSB and the MOH modified a rapid aflatoxin screening assay. (cdc.gov)
  • Scientists have mapped the genome of a conventionally bred drought-tolerant maize variety. (gmwatch.org)
  • Results of this study indicate that the limiting moisture content and aW values required to control aflatoxin production () in SW and WIS stored at 30 °C for up to 60 d are 4.5, 0.68, 5.0, and 0.75, respectively. (researchgate.net)
  • Therefore, assessment of the response of aflatoxigenic species to different temperatures is important to add information about the understanding of aflatoxin production by Aspergillus nomius and may help in the development of new strategies to prevent aflatoxin contamination. (researchgate.net)
  • Aflatoxin production can be also exacerbated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). (usda.gov)
  • associated with cashew from the regions of Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha were isolated and three different culture media were used to qualitatively measure aflatoxin production by Aspergillus via UV light (365 nm), which was expressed as positive or negative. (hindawi.com)
  • Many factors are influencing aflatoxin production during storage such as moisture, storage temperature, availability of oxygen, and lipids content [ 5 ]. (hindawi.com)
  • Many approaches investigated to manage aflatoxin production using essential oils [ 8 - 12 ]. (hindawi.com)
  • The aims of the recent study were therefore to evaluate the effect of essential oils on the dry weight and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus spp. (hindawi.com)
  • In developing nations, many people are exposed to aflatoxin through food grown at home. (cdc.gov)
  • Called AflaPak™, this product is formulated specifically to reduce aflatoxin for maize grown in Pakistan. (agrilinks.org)
  • Atoxigenic genotypes detected across Uganda could serve as aflatoxin biocontrol agents to reduce crop contamination from fields conditions and throughout the maize value chain. (ac.ke)
  • Maize is a staple food in Kenya. (illinois.edu)
  • Maize, Kenya's staple food, was the hardest hit, with farmers losing Sh29.6 billion to post-harvest wastage, including rodents and poor handling. (co.ke)
  • Maize is a staple food for many people not just in Kenya but also around the world. (thesafefood.com)
  • Three different media (potato dextrose agar (PDA), Czapek agar (CZ), and malt extract agar (MEA)) were used for detection of aflatoxin based on fluorescence [ 16 ]. (hindawi.com)
  • To mitigate the potential risk of aflatoxin contamination, KEBS has implemented stricter measures, including comprehensive screening of all imported maize to ensure its safety. (millingmea.com)
  • Aflatoxins are highly toxic compounds and can cause chronic toxicity in humans and animals. (hindawi.com)
  • In Kenya, acute aflatoxin poisoning results in liver failure and death in up to 40% of cases. (cdc.gov)
  • In the end, testing soon revealed the culprit was high levels of aflatoxin in homegrown maize. (cdc.gov)
  • The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action levels for aflatoxin present in food or feed is 20 to 300 ppb. (wikipedia.org)
  • The presence of those molds does not always indicate that harmful levels of aflatoxin are present, but does indicate a significant risk. (wikipedia.org)