AFLATOXIN IN FOOD AND FEED: FOOD SAFETY ISSUES AND CONTROL

Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is considered a serious food safety issue worldwide. Among the most dangerous mycotoxins are aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The presence of aflatoxins represent a serious problem in cereals, nuts, dried fruits and other food products. They can be produced either in the field or during processing or storage. Their elimination from food and feed is of great concern due to the fact that they are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic compounds. A great number of publications concerning aflatoxin contamination of various products have been generated over the last several years of research and investigations. A review of the problem of aflatoxins in food and feed is presented with emphasis on control measures.