There are over 250 species of mold, which produce a total of over 300 different toxins (= mycotoxins). Among them, however, there are only a few that can lead to actual contamination of feed and food. We examined corn and corn products for the presence of the mycotoxins aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, zearalenone and HT-2 toxins. In one food (popcorn corn), the maximum level for deoxynivalenol was exceeded.
Tips
- Watch out for damage to packaging: cracks or holes can allow mold to enter a food product
- Pay attention to proper storage: too humid/too long promotes mold growth
- Removing mold does not help: large parts of the mold are invisible
- Do not eat moldy food
Focus on mycotoxins in corn and corn products
Information on mycotoxins