What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by some Aspergillus species like A. flavus or A. parasiticus. Primarily aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 and the hydroxylated metabolite M1 are of interest, with aflatoxin B1 as the most frequently occurring. Where are they detected? Aflatoxins can be found on a wide range of commodities including cereals, nuts, spices, figs and dried fruit. Aflatoxin M1, the metabolite of Aflatoxin B1, is found in milk and dairy products. Aflatoxins are of major interest because of their impact on both human and animal health. Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most potent hepato-carcinogens known and hence levels of aflatoxins in the diet are an important consideration for human health. Most countries established regulatory limits for either aflatoxin B1 or for total aflatoxins, which includes the sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2, as well as regulatory limits for Aflatoxin M1. Very often regulations also include detailed sampling procedures, as this is one of the m
