Editing Aflatoxin (section)

== Contamination conditions ==

Aflatoxins are produced by both ''[[Aspergillus flavus]]'' and ''[[Aspergillus parasiticus]]'', which are common forms of 'weedy' molds widespread in nature. The presence of those molds does not always indicate that harmful levels of aflatoxin are present, but does indicate a significant risk. The molds can colonize and contaminate food before harvest or during storage, especially following prolonged exposure to a high-humidity environment, or to stressful conditions such as drought. Aflatoxin contamination is increasing in crops such as [[maize]] as a result of [[climate change]] creating better conditions for these molds.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yu |first1=Jina |last2=Hennessy |first2=David A |last3=Tack |first3=Jesse |last4=Wu |first4=Felicia |title=Climate change will increase aflatoxin presence in US Corn |journal=Environmental Research Letters |date=1 May 2022 |volume=17 |issue=5 |pages=054017 |doi=10.1088/1748-9326/ac6435|bibcode=2022ERL....17e4017Y |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Battilani |first1=P. |last2=Toscano |first2=P. |last3=Van der Fels-Klerx |first3=H. J. |last4=Moretti |first4=A. |last5=Camardo Leggieri |first5=M. |last6=Brera |first6=C. |last7=Rortais |first7=A. |last8=Goumperis |first8=T. |last9=Robinson |first9=T. |title=Aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize in Europe increases due to climate change |journal=Scientific Reports |date=July 2016 |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=24328 |doi=10.1038/srep24328|pmid=27066906 |pmc=4828719 |bibcode=2016NatSR...624328B |doi-access=free }}</ref>

The native habitat of ''Aspergillus'' is in soil, decaying vegetation, [[hay]], and grains undergoing microbiological deterioration, but it invades all types of organic substrates whenever conditions are favorable for its growth. Favorable conditions for production of aflatoxins include high [[moisture content]] (at least 7%) and temperatures from {{convert|55|to|104|°F|°C|abbr=on}} [optimum {{convert|27|to|30|C|F}}].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Risk of aflatoxin contamination increases with hot and dry growing conditions {{!}} Integrated Crop Management|url=https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/risk-aflatoxin-contamination-increases-hot-and-dry-growing-conditions|access-date=2021-06-13|website=crops.extension.iastate.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Storing nuts at a low temperature (refrigeration) reduces aflatoxin levels and mold and yeast counts for 3–6 months {{!}} News {{!}} Postharvest – Fruits, Vegetables and Ornamentals|url=https://www.postharvest.biz/en/news/storing-nuts-at-a-low-temperature-refrigeration-reduces-aflatoxin-levels-and-mold-and-yeast-counts-for-3-6-months/_id:80408/|access-date=2021-06-13|website=www.postharvest.biz}}</ref> Aflatoxins have been isolated from all major cereal crops, and from sources as diverse as peanut butter and cannabis. The staple commodities regularly contaminated with aflatoxins include cassava, chilies, corn, cotton seed, millet, peanuts, rice, sorghum, sunflower seeds, tree nuts, wheat, and a variety of spices intended for human or animal consumption. Aflatoxin transformation products are sometimes found in eggs, milk products, and meat when animals are fed contaminated grains.<ref name= Fratamicopm/><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pradeepkiran |first1=Jangampalli Adi | name-list-style = vanc |title=Analysis of aflatoxin B1 in contaminated feed, media, and serum samples of Cyprinus carpio L. by high-performance liquid chromatography |journal=Food Quality and Safety |date=December 2018 |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=199–204 |doi=10.1093/fqsafe/fyy013|doi-access=free }}</ref>

A study conducted in [[Kenya]] and [[Mali]] found that the predominant practices for drying and storage of maize were inadequate in minimizing exposure to aflatoxins.<ref name=aflacontrol/>

[[File:Aflatossina_su_frutta_secca.jpg|thumb|Shine emitted by aflatoxins under ultraviolet light at right. At left, the same fruit under natural light.]]