PERSPECTIVES ON AFLATOXIN CONTROL FOR HUMAN FOOD AND ANIMAL FEED

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic metabolites produced by molds that grow on food and feed. Their toxicity has caused severe health and economic problems worldwide. Human exposure to aflatoxins can arise from the direct consumption of contaminated commodities such as corn (maize), peanuts or figs, or from the consumption of foods from animals previously exposed to aflatoxin in feeds (milk and egg products). Food safety monitoring programs for aflatoxins have been established for raw and finished products; these include establishment of regulatory limits or guidelines, monitoring programs for aflatoxin levels in susceptible products, and decontamination procedures and/or the diversion of contaminated products to lower-risk uses.