Mycotoxins in the context of food risks and nutrition issues

The significance of different food contaminants to human health varies depending on whether acute or chronic effects are being considered. Although microbiological contamination may be considered of primary concern for acute health risks, mycotoxins, which can also have significant acute effects in highly exposed populations, are considered a major concern with respect to chronic health risks from contaminated food. Aflatoxin B I is a human liver carcinogen and fumonisin B-1 and ochratoxin A have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible human carcinogens. More recent health concerns have arisen over growth retardation and childhood stunting (aflatoxins), immunosuppression (aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol), neural tube defects (fumonisins) and possible endocrine disruption (zearalenone). Application of risk assessment to populations in developed countries generally shows that, apart from some concerns for special groups such as children, health risks are well controlled by current regulatory systems. In developing countries, high levels of exposure to a number of mycotoxins, frequently simultaneously, can occur leading to significant morbidity and mortality. It is to be hoped that the drive to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals will reduce poverty and concurrently reduce food risks from mycotoxins.