Mycotoxins: What they are and what to look out for

Mycotoxins are commonly known as molds. They occur naturally and can be found in all foods

These are mycotoxins

Moulds can spread on various foods and contaminate them with their metabolic products. The resulting mold toxins are also called mycotoxins.

• There are different types of mycotoxins. What they have in common is that they can lead to illness or even death in humans and animals. For example, they can damage the liver and kidneys or attack the digestive tract. The development of cancer can also be promoted by the ingestion of mycotoxins.

• Aflatoxins are one type of mycotoxin. They mainly occur on natural products rich in fat such as nuts, pistachios or almonds. Corn can also be infested with aflatoxins

• Apples can also be affected by mycotoxins. The substance patulin in particular is frequently found in fruit.

• Coffee, tea and dried fruit can occasionally be attacked by ochratoxin.

• Cereals are also susceptible to mycotoxins. In addition to the well-known ergot, fumonisins and zearalenone can also spread to grains such as wheat, rye and oats.

How to avoid ingesting mycotoxins

The dangerous thing about mould toxins is that they are not always recognizable. Moreover, they cannot be rendered harmless by heat. Mycotoxins can only be detected by laboratory analysis.

• In principle, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products do not exceed prescribed maximum levels of mycotoxins. These may vary depending on the type of cultivation. Fruit, vegetables and cereals grown in the EU are subject to very strict limits. The consumption of all cultivated products is therefore considered very safe in our regions.

• Moisture in particular causes molds to release toxic metabolic products. Harvested produce should therefore be dry to keep the toxin content to a minimum.

• As a consumer, however, you only have a small influence on the level of mycotoxins. Nevertheless, you should always store your food in a cool and dry place to counteract the formation of mold toxins

• You should not simply remove visible mold in order to be able to eat the rest of your food. In most cases, the mold has already established itself deeper in the tissue. Therefore, cut away moldy areas generously. If this is not possible, it is better not to eat the food